EY commits to young talent with 36 student hires

Accounting multinational EY has continued to invest in young talent during the coronavirus pandemic, taking on 36 graduates and apprentices from across the North East so far this year.

The firm welcomed 11 graduates and 25 apprentices to its Newcastle office as it continues to build a talent pipeline across the region.

In addition, four students undertook temporary short-term placements through the firm’s summer internship programme to gain vital work experience.

EY has adjusted its recruitment programmes for a virtual environment to ensure the new recruits can still undertake client work and work towards their professional qualifications, despite COVID-19.

Mike Scoular, managing partner for EY in Newcastle, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome so many new graduates to the firm and I’m thrilled that our Business Leadership and Management Degree Apprenticeship continues to be so popular with a cohort of 16 this year. I wish them all the very best of success.”

Degree Apprentices can study towards a BA in Business Leadership and Management Practice at Northumbria University or alternatively a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions (with QA Apprenticeships), awarded by Roehampton University.

Both courses are funded by EY, while the student is working and earning a salary, based at the Newcastle office.

Mike added: “Young talent is vital to our future business success.

“I’m proud that we’ve maintained our commitment to student recruitment this year, despite COVID-19, and that we’ve honoured all the conditional offers we made prior to A-Level results.

“At a time when many young people across the North East are facing a challenging labour market, our apprenticeship, graduate and internship programmes provide students and school leavers with a great opportunity to gain real hands-on experience, while also enhancing their skills and gaining a qualification.”