Top 50 SME and 100 finance apprenticeship employers

Apprenticeships have become increasingly popular as a pathway for individuals to gain practical experience and valuable skills while pursuing a career in banking, finance, and accountancy. This article highlights the top 100 apprenticeship employers in these fields, showcasing their commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for aspiring professionals.

 

From global accounting firms to regional SMEs, these employers offer a wide range of apprenticeship levels and comprehensive training programs to develop the next generation of finance professionals.

 

Top 100 Leading Apprenticeship Employers:

BDO Global (Rank: 17th):

BDO Global is an international network of public accounting, tax, consulting, and business advisory firms. They offer apprenticeship levels 4 and 7, providing individuals with invaluable insight into working at a leading professional services firm. In March 2023, 13.8% of their employees were apprentices, with 637 new apprentice starters joining the business.

 

Grant Thornton (Rank: 19th):

Grant Thornton is one of the world's largest professional services networks, specializing in independent accounting and consulting services. They offer apprenticeship levels 4 and 7, with 19.7% of their employees being apprentices in March 2023. Over the same period, they welcomed 363 new apprentice starters.

 

Price Bailey (Rank: 20th):

Price Bailey, a top UK accountancy firm, offers apprenticeship levels 3, 4, and 7. With 28.2% of their employees being apprentices in March 2023, Price Bailey demonstrates its dedication to nurturing young talent. They welcomed 54 new apprentice starters from 2022 to 2023.

 

PKF Francis Clark (Rank: 28th):

PKF Francis Clark is a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers based in the South West. They offer apprenticeship levels 3, 4, and 7, combining on-the-job learning, tuition, personal development, and professional qualifications. In March 2023, 21.7% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 108 new starter apprentices from 2022 to 2023.

 

Moore Kingston Smith (Rank: 33rd):

Moore Kingston Smith is a leading firm of chartered accountants and business advisers. Offering apprenticeships in levels 4 and 7, they provide a comprehensive training program covering all aspects of apprentices' development. In March 2023, 21.5% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 93 new apprentice starters.

 

Bishop Fleming (Rank: 40th):

Bishop Fleming is an award-winning chartered accountancy firm. They offer apprenticeship levels 4 and 7, with 35.2% of their employees being apprentices in March 2023. From 2022 to 2023, the business welcomed 60 new apprentice starters.

 

Azets (Rank: 43rd):

Azets is a specialist local accountants and business advisory group offering various financial services. They provide apprenticeships in levels 2, 3, 4, and 7, partnering with prominent organisations to offer valuable learning experiences. In March 2023, 18.2% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 219 new apprentice starters.

 

Armstrong Watson (Rank: 46th):

Armstrong Watson specialises in accountancy, tax, payroll, corporate finance, financial planning, and wealth management. They offer apprenticeship levels 2, 3, 4, and 7, with 17.5% of their employees being apprentices in March 2023. From 2022 to 2023, Armstrong Watson welcomed 57 new apprentice starters.

 

Old Mill Accountancy (Rank: 47th):

Old Mill Accountancy offers apprenticeship levels 3, 4, and 7. In March 2023, 18.2% of their employees were apprentices. The business welcomed 49 new apprentice starters between 2022 and 2023.

 

Kreston Reeves (Rank: 49th):

Kreston Reeves is an accountancy firm based in London. They offer apprenticeships at level 7, providing a competitive employment package to apprentices. In March 2023, 19.2% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 41 new apprentice starters.

 

Optionis Group (Rank: 50th):

Optionis Group is a leading provider of accountancy, tax, and employment solutions to contractors and small businesses. They offer apprenticeships in levels 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. In March 2023, 20.8% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 54 new starter apprentices.

 

Lloyds Banking Group (Rank: 60th):

Lloyds Banking Group offers apprenticeships across multiple levels, fostering networking skills and technological proficiency. In March 2023, 2% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 357 new apprentice starters.

 

NatWest Group (Rank: 95th):

NatWest Group offers apprenticeship levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. They provide comprehensive support to apprentices throughout their training, including mentors and learning coaches. In March 2023, 1.9% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 391 new apprentice starters.

 

Top Finance and Banking SME Apprenticeship Employers:

Apart from the larger organisations, several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also prioritise apprenticeships as part of their talent development strategies. Here are a few notable SMEs in the finance and banking sector:

 

Westcott's (Rank: 10th):

Westcott offers financial and accounting advice, specialising in taxation, investment, and planning for businesses in the South West.

 

LB Group (Rank: 13th):

LB Group is a leading chartered accountancy firm providing accounting, taxation, and business advice to start-ups, SMEs, and corporates.

 

DJH Mitten Clarke (Rank: 14th):

DJH Mitten Clarke offers fully funded apprenticeship packages throughout each stage of an apprentice's accountancy career. They provide support for professional qualifications and dedicated learning and development coordinators.

 

Apprenticeships play a crucial role in the banking, finance, and accountancy sectors, providing aspiring professionals with practical experience and comprehensive training. The top 100 employers highlighted in this article demonstrate their commitment to nurturing talent and developing the next generation of finance professionals. Whether in global firms or SMEs, apprenticeship programs offer invaluable opportunities for individuals to embark on successful careers in these industries.