Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO is welcoming 26 new trainees across its offices in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich, with 600 joining nationwide. The trainees will be a combination of school leaver apprentices and university graduates, 11 will join BDO’s Cambridge office, 11 will join the firm’s office in Ipswich, with four based in Norwich. The majority of the trainees will join the firm’s audit practice. Most of the new trainees will have the opportunity to undertake a level-7 apprenticeship programme, resulting in a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree. This year, the firm has also hired over 50 industrial placement students to join BDO for 12 months between their second and third year of university, as well as 70 summer interns. As part of its commitment to increasing diversity in the profession, BDO also runs targeted insight programmes aimed at school or college students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and university students from a black heritage. Applications for the firm’s 2023 graduate and school leaver apprentice programmes will open later this month, with more than 700 positions available nationwide and 30 based across East Anglia. Peter Harrup, Head of BDO in East Anglia, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this year’s intake of trainees from a wide range of backgrounds, whether that’s school leavers, or university graduates, as well as interns and placement students. East Anglia is home to some of the country’s brightest talent and we’re investing significantly as a firm to provide the career opportunities and pathways that enable young people from all walks of life to access a vibrant and exciting profession, such as accountancy. “The education of young people has undoubtedly been severely disrupted in the last few years, with both school leavers and graduates having to navigate learning and examinations in very challenging circumstances. Each and every one of them should be extremely proud of their achievements and we look forward to supporting them on what will hopefully be a long and successful career journey at BDO.” More information about BDO’s programmes and 2022 positions can be found here: https://www.bdoearlyincareer.co.uk/ Image provided by BDO