Across the UK the firm is looking to recruit up to 551, taking the overall number employed at the firm to 1600.

In 2017, Azets employed just 30 apprentices, the increase reflects the firm’s growth and investment in talent development during the past six years.

Azets also recently announced plans to add 900 additional staff across its UK business this year. The roles cover all levels, from associate through to partner, and service lines including audit and assurance, accounting and advisory business services, corporate finance, tax, and restructuring.

The school leaver route at Azets is a six-year programme which includes two apprenticeship programmes leading to the student becoming qualified in their AAT and then moving onto their chartered accountancy qualification. The graduate route is a three- or four-year programme where students study toward their chartered accountancy qualification.

An apprenticeship with Azets provides a bespoke programme that combines qualifications, skills, and behaviours training. Everyone gets a talent coach, and each new student gets a ‘buddy’ and substantial amount of vocational training.

Peter Gallanagh, regional CEO for Scotland and the North, said: “Our commitment to early careers and creating accessible apprenticeship opportunities is stronger than ever.

“We have continued to increase apprenticeship opportunities year-on-year, as we continue to invest in people and talent development.

“I am pleased to report that we are seeing significant interest, with a record number of applications for September 2023. The applications are not only being driven by young people but from a diverse range of ages and people looking for a career change.

“Azets is growing rapidly in Scotland and investing in people and talent development is a key strategy for the business, as we continue with our ambitious growth plans and deliver a service of outstanding professional quality, that is both personal and local.”