Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO welcomed 14 new trainees in November, with a further 16 roles available to start later in 2021.
In November, BDO’s Southampton office welcomed its 2020 cohort of trainees comprising both graduates and apprentices. The new joiners took part in virtual inductions while BDO’s workforce continue to work remotely as a result of COVID-19.
Applications are now open for trainee roles starting in 2021, with the majority of trainees able to undertake a Level-7 apprenticeship programme, a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree. More than two thirds of new trainees in Southampton will be recruited to BDO’s audit department, demonstrating continued investment in its audit practice.
During the summer, BDO hosted its first ever ‘virtual internship’ where 26 students in their penultimate year of university were able to spend a week with the firm, gaining valuable insight into what a career at BDO might entail.
Malcolm Thixton, Partner and Head of BDO LLP in the Central South, said:
“2020 has been a year like no other but, despite the immense challenges facing businesses and individuals alike, we are delighted to have welcomed 14 new trainees to the team in November, and more in 2021.
“Through a combination of the latest technology and a unified approach by our over 200 strong team in the Central South, we have been able to support our clients and communities during the global pandemic from our homes. This flexibility and focus on our core purpose to help people succeed, will allow our new cohort of trainees to still fully immerse themselves into their first few months with BDO, while the majority of our colleagues will continue to work remotely.
“Our own Rethinking the Economy analysis shows that investing in talent is hugely important to our local businesses in the current climate, particularly in young people looking to kick-start their careers. That’s why it’s important to look ahead and invest in the best and brightest people who will become our advisers of the future.”
Nationwide, BDO welcomed almost 400 new trainees in November 2020, with a further 450 roles available to start in 2021. In 2019/20, the firm received more than 20,000 applications for its school leaver and graduate programmes.
