A PATH to a professional degree, avoiding thousands of pounds of university debt, is to be offered by a leading independent chartered accountancy firm.
Grimsby-headquartered Forrester Boyd, an employer of 200, has partnered with a London university to offer the training route, in a further step to ensure it can bring on the very best local talent.
The five-year programme is set to start in September, with a cohort of six, and a further three or four added each year.
It has been made possible after it partnered with BPP – a profession-focused institution and degree awarding body – becoming the first in the region to offer students work, alongside gaining an accountancy degree and professional accountancy qualifications.
Kevin Hopper, pictured, partner, said: "This is the first year it will have been done, not many people in the country are doing it. It is our understanding we are unique in the region. Our thinking is that we can now go into a school and offer students the opportunity to work towards a degree through us. The costs of university are crippling now, but we will bear this while paying a commercial wage."
Mr Hopper said training contracts normally lead to permanent positions with the company, which has offices across Lincolnshire and into East Yorkshire.
The BPP ACA School Leavers' Programme is a five-year scheme designed to take 18-year-olds from A Levels through their chartered accountancy qualification, incorporating an undergraduate degree in professional accounting.
Forrester Boyd will fully fund and supports every aspect of the study programme, and with average post graduate debt now at nearly £50,000, it could prove a tempting offer with strong employment prospects.
Mr Hopper added: "The work experience gained with Forrester Boyd during the completion of the programme means our trainees may have an advantage over students studying the traditional university route as we will provide maximum opportunities for trainees to apply the degree content to practical work-based scenarios.
"The school-leaver programme is a unique opportunity for any bright and capable students that are committed to a career in finance.
"It is anticipated that there will be high demand from A level students applying for a place on the programme."
Students wishing to be considered for a place on the programme should send a CV and covering letter to careers@forrester-boyd.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook and TwitterVIEW PICTURE GALLERIES www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/pictures
