This brings the total number of graduates currently studying at the firm to 47. The surge reflects a growing trend among young people to favour work-based training and professional qualifications over traditional university routes.

Following the success of this year’s recruitment drive, EQ is reopening applications, and the firm is looking to take on even more graduates and trainees.

The recruits, a combination of school leavers and university graduates, brings EQ’s team total to 244 professionals across 11 locations.

The addition of new team members brings a diverse range of skills and perspectives that will contribute to the firm’s evolving client services. Their recruitment underscores EQ’s focus on fostering new talent and highlights its position as a leading employer within the industry.

More than 50% of new recruits have chosen work-based training programs, gaining hands-on experience while earning professional qualifications and a salary, rather than attending college or university.

Nafeesa Amjad joined the Forfar office as a trainee. She said: “I left school after my higher exams in 5th year and started working at EQ.

“I chose the trainee accountant route because I wanted to gain practical experience while working towards my qualification – I wasn’t too keen on the idea of going to university. I first heard about EQ from my teacher at school and decided to apply.

“At my interview, I learned about the training and the level of study support available, and that’s exactly what I was looking for – practical experience alongside a qualification.”

Another popular route this year is the graduate apprenticeship program, an alternative to the traditional university route for aspiring accountants like Jack Campbell.

He said: “I left school at 18 with the grades to go to university, but I didn’t want to get into student loan debt. Instead, I enrolled in the graduate apprenticeship program at RGU, which allows me to earn a degree while gaining full-time work experience.

“The program is an excellent route for anyone hoping to be an accountant because it allows you to apply technical theory to real-life situations through workplace learning. Plus, completing the degree gives you exemptions from many ICAS exams.”

Graduates and trainees have been placed within key teams, including the technical and business services and central support departments, reflecting EQ’s holistic approach to career development. Each new team member receives tailored training and long-term career progression.

Craig Nicol, CEO at EQ Accountants, said: “We firmly believe that the future of EQ lies in the hands of the young professionals we invest in today. By nurturing the skills and potential of these graduates and apprentices, we are ensuring the continued success and innovation that sets EQ Accountants apart.”

Mr Nicol added: “Our door is still open for enthusiastic individuals who want to join a dynamic firm like EQ. Whether you’re a school leaver or graduate, this is an exciting time to start your career with us.”