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BDO has expanded its summer insight programme for young people, with more than 1,100 places available across the UK as part of the firm’s continued commitment to improving access to the accountancy profession.
The initiative will deliver 20 in-person insight days this summer. The sessions give school, college and university students aged 16 and over the opportunity to learn about careers in professional services.
Participants will take part in interactive workshops, employability skills training and networking sessions. The scheme operates at local BDO offices.
The expansion follows BDO’s Young Minds 2026: The Unequal Advantage report, which highlighted persistent gaps in access to professional networks and work experience for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds
First-year trainees from audit, tax, deals, and consulting, risk and outsourcing teams will lead the sessions.
The programme helps early career colleagues develop leadership and team-building skills.
BDO has run targeted insight programmes for five years to improve diversity and social mobility.
More than 250 young people have participated in the Explore BDO and Black Heritage insight programmes since they launched, with more than 200 places available this year.
The firm employs 8,000 people across 17 offices in the UK and generates UK revenues of £1bn.
Louise Sayers, the head of people, culture and purpose at BDO, said: “The transition from education into the workplace can feel overwhelming for many young people, particularly those who may not have access to professional networks or workplace experience through family or personal connections.
“These Insight Days are designed to help young people better understand the opportunities available to them, build confidence and meet people who have already started their careers in the profession.
Sayers added: “We’re also incredibly proud that our own trainees are leading these sessions. It’s important that students can see relatable role models and hear first-hand experiences from people at the beginning of their own career journeys.”
