BDO expands work experience programme through new partnership

BDO has committed to a new three-year work experience programme with partner Connectr Early Engagement, in a bid to to expand its current offering and improve access to the profession.

Connectr Early Engagement will work with the firm to deliver ‘Bridge to BDO’, a face-to-face programme that will provide workshops and insight experiences for students in years nine, 11, 12 and 13.

The initiative focuses on increasing awareness of accountancy from an earlier age than traditional student offerings. It is designed in line with the Career and Enterprise Company definition of modern work experience.

BDO will also deliver ‘Discover Finance’ as part of the partnership. The collaborative programme for students in years 12 – 13 from low socio-economic backgrounds aims to broaden access to the financial services sector.

Students will attend insight days with local employers to gain sector insights and career connections. Both programmes aim to scale across all UK regions over the next three years to reach more than 3,000 students.

Research from a BDO survey of 2,000 people aged 18 – 25 highlights the impact of early business engagement. More than a third of those surveyed (35%) said relationships with local businesses had the biggest influence on career decisions.

The survey revealed students from lower socio-economic backgrounds were less likely to access CV workshops or mock interviews than their peers. BDO has delivered targeted insight programmes for five years to improve diversity in the sector.

Since launching, more than 250 young people have participated in the Explore BDO and Black Heritage insight programmes. More than 200 places are available in these programmes this year.

Louise Sayers, head of people, culture and purpose at BDO, said: “The value of modernising work experience opportunities for our younger generations should not be underestimated. 

“Being able to expand our early career pathways in a way that also encourages our people to use their own citizenship volunteering days makes me incredibly proud.”

Rachel Morar, managing director at Connectr Early Engagement, added: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with BDO to expand the amazing work they were already doing to support young people access a career in accountancy. Combining their own bespoke work experience programme with Discover Finance is a gold standard example of a structured, multi-touchpoint journey for young people.”