Accountancy firm BDO has welcomed 12 new trainees to its Ipswich office this week. The local hires are part of a larger intake of 20 new trainees across East Anglia and over 600 nationwide.
The big picture: The new trainees will join BDO's audit, tax, and advisory practices and will have the opportunity to undertake a Level 7 apprenticeship programme – equivalent to a master's degree.
By the numbers:
12 new trainees in Ipswich
20 total new trainees in East Anglia
Over 600 new trainees nationwide
What they're saying: Peter Harrup, Head of BDO in East Anglia, said: "I'm always delighted to welcome our annual cohort of new trainees to our offices in East Anglia. This young talent never fails to bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, energy, and a thirst for knowledge."
Zoom in: BDO is also focusing on increasing diversity in the accountancy profession:
40 students from lower socio-economic backgrounds participated in the "Explore BDO" programme.
22 university students took part in BDO's Black Heritage Insight programme.
Both programmes offer fast-track applications for apprenticeship or graduate positions.
What's next: BDO will welcome over 80 students on a summer internship in July next year.
The bottom line: As Harrup notes, "At BDO, we're committed to opening up as many opportunities as possible to a diverse group of young people who will play a vital role in helping to shape not only the firm but our industry in years to come."