Grant Thornton sees increase in applications to school leavers programme

Grant Thornton has reported a nearly 50 per cent increase in applications for its school leavers programme in Scotland, following a drive to increase social mobility and broaden the appeal of accountancy as a career option.

The business and financial advisor has welcomed 13 graduates and 1 school leaver to its Scottish practice this year.

The number of applications through the programme has increased by 47 per cent, and changes to the firm’s selection process have resulted in more than a quarter of new hires (26 per cent) joining straight from school.

Andrew Howie, Grant Thornton’s managing partner in Scotland, said: “By removing academic barriers and focusing on a wider set of skills, we’ve been able to open up a new pool of talent and increase opportunities for a more diverse range of people.

“Our business is here to serve a huge mix of clients and organisations, so it makes complete sense that we tap into the best talent from across Scotland, who can provide the insight, knowledge and passion for business that Grant Thornton has become famous for.”

17 year-old Katie Hall from Dalziel High School is the latest school leaver to join the firm. She be based in Glasgow, but gain skills and a client space across Scotland.

Katie said: “I was attracted to Grant Thornton after meeting some of the team members who joined the firm in a similar way to me. I decided to go straight from school to my career because I wanted to get stuck in and develop my career immediately.

“I’m looking forward to gaining vital on-the-ground business knowledge and work with a wide range of organisations and individuals, helping to unlock growth and play my part in building a more sustainable, vibrant Scotland.”