Azets celebrates its 443 apprentices across the UK in National Apprenticeship Week – 14 between Peterborough, Cambridge and Kettering

February 10, 2021

Azets, the UK’s largest regional accountancy and business advisors to SMEs, with offices in Peterborough, Cambridge and Kettering, is celebrating its 443 apprentices across the UK as it demonstrates its commitment to ‘Build the Future’ – the main theme of National Apprenticeship Week this year. In total, Azets has over 900 students studying professional qualifications and 443 of them are doing this on the apprenticeship route.

Between the Peterborough, Cambridge and Kettering offices, Azets now employs 14 apprentices.

Investing in the next generation of talent is a key strategy for Azets, as it looks to further expand its offer and continue to deliver a high-quality service locally to businesses across the UK.

Azets is able to offer a varied career path for joiners, with the option to work across different parts of the country and to specialise in different aspects of accounting and business advisory, from general practice and tax to corporate finance, trade and restructuring.

The continuation of Azets’ graduate and school leaver national recruitment drive, against the backdrop of the current pandemic, wider economic challenges and the UK adjusting to post-Brexit life, is also a reflection of growing demand for tailored business advice and services, as companies and individuals look to navigate through the increased levels of uncertainty and change.

Azets has a range of apprenticeship offerings but there are broadly two options: the school leaver or graduate programmes.

The school leaver route is a six year programme which includes two apprenticeship programmes leading to the student becoming qualified in their AAT and then moving onto their chartered accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA or ICAS).

The graduate route is a three or four year programme where students study toward their chartered accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA or ICAS). An apprenticeship with Azets and its training partners provides a bespoke programme that combines qualifications, skills and behaviours training. Everyone gets a talent coach, and each new student gets a buddy and substantial amount of on the job training, giving them the opportunity to pave a career path for life.

David Whitson-Black, Group Head of Talent Development for Azets, said: “Despite the current economic backdrop, we remain committed to investing in people and to developing the talent of the younger generation, who will be the business leaders and advisors of tomorrow. Young people have been disproportionately hit by the economic impact of the pandemic, so it is extremely pleasing to be able to kickstart the careers of so many and offer them a bright and interesting future.

“Investing in our people and their careers is a key strategy for Azets, benefiting them as well as positioning the company well for the future, as we continue with our ambitious plans to grow the business and deliver a service of outstanding professional quality, that is both personalised and localised.”

Matthew Webber, an Azets apprentice based in the Peterborough office, commented: “I’ve found that my other colleagues here at Azets are very supportive and I feel comfortable talking and asking questions to anyone here regardless of their position. Seeing how knowledgeable certain members of the team are is also very motivating.

“I have felt very supported during this time. Software such as Microsoft Teams has been a very useful tool to use with my learning. Teams has meant I’ve not lost contact with my designated tutor while working remotely, and I’m able to ask them a question easily and share my work on their screen to provide more accurate guidance.”

Kelsey Buttriss, an Azets trainee based in the Cambridge office, said: “I was working in another position at another company and I went to college with some people who worked for Azets and they were always chatting about work and they always spoke highly of what they do and the people that they worked around.

“The people, all employees are proud to work for Azets, they take pride in the work that they do and there are many people to turn to for any issues. Managers and colleagues have been very supportive asking if I am okay, what if anything they can do to help.

“Azets is an innovative company and always trying to better itself by the latest technology. They have ensured the equipment for working from home during the pandemic is adequate and reliable and provided us with everything needed.”