Black Heritage programme paying off for BDO
The 2025 trainee cohort will join the firm’s 8,000-strong workforce across its Audit, Tax, Deals, and Consulting, Risk and Outsourcing teams.
Applications are open for school leaver apprenticeships, graduates and university students undertaking a 12-month industrial placement. The majority will join the firm in September 2025, with applications now open until January 5, 2025.
As part of its commitment to improving access to accountancy, BDO will also open applications for its summer work experience and insight programmes later in the year.
‘Explore BDO’ is a three-day insight programme aimed at improving social mobility and access to accountancy for those from less privileged backgrounds.
The programme is open to students in years 12-13 who meet the lower socio-economic criteria and are looking to understand what a career in accountancy might look like.
The firm will also recruit for its annual Black Heritage programme, aimed at first year university students. Both programmes are open to candidates from across the UK.
Peter Harrup, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in East Anglia, says: “Just a few weeks after welcoming 20 new trainees to our offices in Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge, I am delighted we are starting our search for next year’s recruits and an even larger intake.
“Today’s world can feel uncertain especially for young people making some important life decisions. Our role in progressing the next generation of professionals has never been more important.
“By offering a number of entry routes into the profession, including school leaver apprenticeships, we are determined to help improve access to accountancy in East Anglia and kickstart a fulfilling and potentially lifelong career for those who join us.
“Initiatives like BDO’s Black Heritage and Explore BDO insight programmes, designed for those who may not have considered or know much about a career in accountancy, have a huge role in diversifying the talent pool in our industry.”
Stanley Fraser, an audit trainee at BDO, started his graduate position in 2023 after taking part in the Black Heritage Programme.
“The Black Heritage programme gave me an insight into what a career in accountancy might look like, as well as giving me exposure to the different roles available at BDO,” says Stanley.
“I was studying Computer Science at university when I came across BDO’s insight programme and, for me, it changed the trajectory of my early career. I hadn’t considered accountancy before, but the people I spoke with throughout the week showed me how varied and interesting a career in this profession could be.
“After the Black Heritage programme, I also participated in a summer internship before being fast-tracked onto the firm’s graduate programme. Gaining this experience really broadens your awareness of how to grow and shape your career. For me it was the perfect opportunity to learn about BDO and the wider industry.”