Armstrong Watson takes on a number of apprentices every year to work towards their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) qualifications.

This year the firm sees 21 embarking on the AAT qualification and four starting the ATT qualification. This is up from 17 across the two courses in 2023.

It comes after the business was recognised by the Department of Education for having one of the top apprenticeship programmes in the UK, ranking at number 37 in the national league – up from 46 in 2023 and 64 in 2022.

The new students, who start in September at regional offices across the North of England and Scotland, will work in the accounting and tax compliance teams and will receive hands-on experience alongside classroom study as they work towards their qualifications. They then have the opportunity to progress on to the ACA Graduate Scheme to become a chartered accountant. This year a total of 37 graduates joined the firm or progress onto the ACA programme.

Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner, said: “We’re pleased to welcome our 2024 apprentices who have been carefully selected from hundreds of applicants.

“With Armstrong Watson they have many opportunities ahead of them for a successful career and we wish them all the best in their qualifications.”

Richard Andrew, head of accounting and business services, added: “We continue to invest in our training programmes year on year and this provides us with an incredible pool of talent, many of whom go on to have long and successful careers in the business.

“I’m so proud of the training, support and development our students receive from our dedicated training manager Karen Blaylock and really believe our programme, and the experience our trainees receive, is unrivalled in the sector.”

Armstrong Watson has taken on trainees for as long as it has been in existence. Jane Kiernan, head of learning and development, is proud that the quality of training offered is being recognised nationally

She said: “Featuring in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for the third year running is a fantastic achievement for us all. Moving steadily up the rankings year on year shows how dedicated we are to growing and developing our own talent.

“As a firm with a long history of developing future talent through our apprenticeship schemes in our accountancy, tax and payroll service lines, we are very proud of our continued commitment to our talented and hardworking apprentices.”