BDO welcomes nearly 50 trainees in the Midlands
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 24 September 2026
UPDATED: 24 September 2026
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has welcomed 47 trainees in the Midlands, joining more than 500 across the firm’s UK offices this week.
The trainees, who join BDO’s 8,500 strong workforce across its four core business areas – Audit, Tax, Deals and Consulting, Risk and Outsourcing (CRO) - are a combination of university graduates, school leaver apprentices and students undertaking a 12-month industrial placement. 55% will be based in regions outside of London aligned to BDO’s commitment to sustained regional growth. The Midlands intake will be based in the firm’s Birmingham and Nottingham offices.
Following the arrival of 525 new trainees, more than one in four BDO employees are now undertaking a graduate or school leaver apprenticeship or industrial placement. Regionally, the firm has continued to invest in early career pathways, with 150 trainees joining in the Midlands since 2024.
This year, BDO has significantly expanded its early engagement activity, reaching over 8,200 young people through its in-person events, social mobility programmes and virtual work experience opportunities; all of which are designed to support young people explore a career in professional services.
Additionally, this year’s early career intake will also include eight individuals who are alumni of the ‘Explore BDO’ insight programme, including two in Nottingham. The initiative is designed to support students in Year 12 and 13 from lower socio-economic background understand career pathways and broaden access into the accountancy profession.
According to BDO’s Young Minds: The Unequal Advantage Report, a survey of 2,000 young people, this type of exposure to employers whilst they are still in education is crucial in helping them shape their aspirations and access to the world of work.
Gareth Singleton, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the Midlands, said:
“The impact of investing in early career opportunities cannot be overstated and BDO is committed to supporting young people across the Midlands to reach their potential. We know the ripple effect these pathways have. They have the power to not only break down generational barriers, but to improve social mobility and make the accountancy sector, and society more generally, more inclusive and equitable for all.”
He added: “It’s such a rewarding experience to welcome our annual cohort of trainees to BDO in Birmingham and Nottingham. Each year they bring a wealth of fresh perspectives, energy and curiosity to the business. With the skills shortages and labour market conditions businesses are facing today, it’s never been more important to offer meaningful career opportunities to help develop the leaders of the future.”
Fab Lanza, is an audit trainee in BDO’s Nottingham office and an Explore BDO alumni. He joined BDO’s school leaver apprenticeship programme in 2022 and qualified this summer. He said:
“I first became aware of BDO during my A-Levels. The student networks I was involved with shared alternative pathways into the accountancy sector and so I participated in a BDO insight programme to learn more. It was a great experience and one that fast-tracked me onto the school leaver apprenticeship programme once I’d finished my studies.
“Every day at BDO feels different. I’m encouraged to challenge the status quo, ask questions, and broaden my knowledge and skillset. If I had to choose one key skill I’ve learnt during my apprenticeship it would be the ability to be flexible, enabling me to manage multiple priorities whilst balancing my studies. An apprenticeship won’t be the preferred choice for everyone but it’s important that students have access to opportunities available to them so they can make that choice for themselves.”
BDO’s induction: building networks, confidence and skills
In their first week, the trainees are attending a two-day induction at Wembley Stadium where they’ll participate in sessions around innovation, technology & data, quality & risk and personal brand. They’ll have the opportunity to network with their peers and meet new colleagues from around the business. The induction opens with a welcome from BDO UK Managing Partner, Mark Shaw.
Creating lasting impact
As part of their wider induction to BDO, the new joiners will learn about their strengths and how technology is changing the workplace. They will be encouraged to think about how skills such as reasoning, critical thinking and creativity will help them succeed, alongside practical digital readiness learning modules and tools.
Additionally, following the success of this year’s firmwide Insight sessions which was run by first year trainees, this cohort will have the opportunity to deliver their own sessions next summer. It will give them a chance to develop their leadership, team building and community engagement skills through the firm’s Citizenship initiative.
