National Apprenticeship Week: Armstrong Watson celebrates its rising stars

An accountancy firm is celebrating the impact of its apprentices.

Armstrong Watson has more than 100 apprentices in its workforce.

Paul Dickson, managing partner and chief executive, said: “Without the apprenticeship scheme, we would currently be without 112 colleagues.

“Among those are 43 working towards their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or  Association of Tax Technicians (ATT), and 55 who are working towards their level seven chartered qualifications – they all make a considerable difference to our business and we applaud them for all their efforts.

“We are strong advocates of apprenticeship schemes as we believe not only do they provide individuals with the valuable skills and experience they need for a successful career, but they also provide businesses with brilliant people.

“Those who join us will not only have the opportunity to become future business leaders, but as a top independent UK firm, they will work at the cutting edge of legislative and technical changes in accounting.“

Armstrong Watson has been named for two years in a row among the UK’s top 100 apprenticeship employers, and has a long history of growing its own talent.

Many staff join straight from school and some existing partners started as students.

The majority of apprenticeships it provides are the AAT level four qualification, which combines study with on-the-job learning within accounting teams.

Students can then progress to the ACA Graduate Scheme to become a Chartered accountant, a level seven qualification equivalent to a master’s degree.

In addition to the traditional accountancy trainee programme, the firm also offers ATT business administration and payroll apprenticeships.

Jane Kiernan, head of learning and development, added: “We are committed to providing development and support programmes alongside high-quality tuition, so our trainees become the best they can be, and we are extremely proud to see them qualify and go on to be instrumental in the success of our business.”

Applications for Armstrong Watson’s 2024 intake of AAT and ATT apprentices close on April 1.

See www.armstrongwatson.co.uk/careers/school-and-college-leavers for more information.