The event is a key part of ICAS’s revamped approach to training future business leaders, marking the biggest shake up in the institution’s 170-year history.

The national induction day is an integral part of the new approach and a refreshed student experience that places the student at its heart, fosters peer-to-peer connections and maximises engagement with tutors.

Gail Boag, executive director of learning at ICAS, said: “Today marks a UK first and provides a significant step forward in how we train our accountants of the future.

“With its focus on ethics, technology and sustainability, the new ICAS syllabus is ensuring that our young business leaders are equipped to grasp the biggest opportunities and overcome challenges in a rapidly changing world.”

She continued: “We also understand that leadership success relies on more than advanced technical skills in finance.

“That’s why our new approach to empowering future leaders incorporates key skills such as communication, networking and problem solving – many of which were introduced today and which our students will encounter throughout their ICAS training.

“A major focus of today has of course been on the human aspect. While many elements of the world of education have moved online, at ICAS we understand the value of student-to-student and student-to-tutor interactions. This induction is just one of many such touchpoints that we’ve embedded throughout our new student experience to provide vital connection and support.”

Keynote speaker David Nussbaum CA, current CEO of three international NGOs and former CEO of The Elders, the NGO founded by Nelson Mandela, said: “The new ICAS syllabus has been designed so that it will support the kind of work that ICAS students will have to undertake and will underpin the value they bring to their employers, whether in practice, or in industry or elsewhere.

“And the interplay between the formal syllabus and the relevant practical experience they’re getting is fundamental to the CA qualification.”

Holly Budge, founder of non-profit ‘How Many Elephants’ and 2023 winner of ‘Woman of the Year in Non-Profit’ at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, also spoke to students in attendance and offered advice to help them through their training and into their careers.

Ms Budge said: “My advice is that by setting big, audacious goals, you can transform your everyday life.

“I became a skydiving camera woman in my early 20s. I knew nothing about skydiving and nothing about filming. When I first laid eyes on Mt. Everest, when I became the first woman to skydive it, I knew one day I would be back to climb to the summit, but I knew nothing about mountaineering.

“None of that mattered because I knew I could learn those skills, or I could have a go. That positive mindset has taken me on some incredible adventures around the world.

“So, my three tips to students are: Think tall, start small - don’t get lucky, get prepared. Do all the training and preparation beforehand.

“Number two is win or learn. No journey is linear so it’s about embracing the detours because there lie the powerful life lessons.

“And my third piece of advice is smile through the pain. It really works and a positive mindset is a resilient mindset.”