Azets targets 500+ new apprentices in 2023
Azets has announced plans to recruit more than 500 apprentices, graduates and school leavers in 2023.
The UK Top 10 accountancy firm currently has 650 apprentices, graduates and school leavers across England, with 331 having joined in August 2022.
Azets is offering another 531 early careers opportunities for September 2023, to take the total to nearly 1,200 by the end of this year.
In 2017, Azets had just 30 apprentices, reflecting the firm’s rapid growth and ongoing investment in talent development over the past six years.
Azets, which ranked 38 in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022, is also providing opportunities to T Level students, the new intense technical vocational qualifications introduced by the government in 2020.
This latest graduate recruitment drive is part of Azets’ recently announced plan to add 900 roles across its UK business over the next 12 months.
The roles cover all levels, from associate through to partner, and service lines including audit and assurance, accounting and advisory business services, corporate finance, tax, and restructuring.
Holly Peck is an apprentice in Azets’ business services team, based in the North East.
She said: “The apprenticeship route at Azets has enabled me to gain hands on experience and develop knowledge in the accounting and finance industry, while working towards and achieving qualifications.
“Azets motivates its people and offers many attractive benefits. I have access to all the relevant help and support as I progress through my accountancy qualifications.
“I also enjoy the social side of work, and have made many friendships.”
The school leaver route at Azets is a six-year programme which includes two apprenticeship programmes leading to the student becoming qualified in their AAT and then moving onto their chartered accountancy qualification.
The graduate route is a three- or four-year programme where students study toward their chartered accountancy qualification.
An apprenticeship with Azets provides a bespoke programme that combines qualifications, skills, and behaviours training. Everyone gets a talent coach, and each new student gets a buddy and substantial amount of on the job training, giving them the opportunity to pave a career path for life.
David Whitson-Black, group head of talent development said: “Our commitment to early careers and creating accessible apprenticeship opportunities is stronger than ever. We have continued to increase apprenticeship opportunities year-on-year, as we continue to invest in people and talent development.
“We are also seeing a huge spike in demand, with a record number of applications for September 2023. This is not only being driven by young people but a diverse range of ages and people looking for a career change.
“Investing in people and talent development is a key strategy for Azets, benefiting our students and positioning the company well for the future, as we continue with our ambitious growth plans and deliver a service of outstanding professional quality, that is both personal and local.”
In January 2023, Azets current student cohort – comprised of school leavers, university leavers and apprentices in their 40s – achieved a first-time pass rate of over 90% in ICAEW, ICAS and ACCA exams.
