This year’s event marked a significant milestone, welcoming the first CAs to qualify through the Robert Gordon University (RGU) Graduate Apprenticeship programme.

This unique, work-based learning route combines an honours degree from Aberdeen’s RGU with the prestigious CA qualification. Funded by the Scottish Government, the partnership scheme offers aspiring accountants across Scotland the opportunity to blend industry experience with their studies.

Gail Boag, executive director of learning at ICAS, said: “Welcoming the first RGU graduate apprentices as qualified CAs this year is a proud moment for ICAS. Their admission, alongside 760 peers, reaffirms the strength of the CA qualification and highlights ICAS’ appeal to a new generation of jobseekers and employers alike.

“The internationally renowned CA qualification opens doors to career opportunities beyond the realms of traditional accountancy and serves as a passport to the highest levels of business and finance – with 86% of FTSE 100 companies employing ICAS members in senior positions.

“The RGU Graduate Apprenticeship scheme represents just one of the range of accessible pathways into ICAS training, and through these various routes, we look forward to supporting even more talent to emerge as the ethical business leaders of the future.”

Graduate Apprenticeship Accounting Course leader at RGU, Lindsey Stewart, added: “RGU extends its congratulations to the newly qualified Chartered Accountants who have successfully completed the graduate apprenticeship route with RGU and ICAS.

“Over the course of this rigorous five-year programme, these exceptional graduates have balanced full-time employment with the pursuit of an honours degree and the prestigious ICAS qualification.

“We at RGU are immensely proud of their achievements and wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

Learn how to become or train a Chartered Accountant via the various ICAS training routes, including the RGU Graduate Apprenticeship.