More than 50 trainees have started exciting new careers thanks to leading independent accountancy firm BHP following the continued growth of its market leading trainee development programme.
The intake of 54, the largest number of new trainees at BHP in more than a decade, comes as the firm continues to meet growing demand from SMEs and mid-market businesses for its expert and tailored advice.
And for the first time as part of the intake, BHP has offered full-time trainee roles to participants in its successful Work Experience Academy, which offers placement opportunities to people interested in a career in accounting and finance.
BHP, which has offices in Sheffield, Leeds, York, Chesterfield and Cleckheaton, is welcoming 29 graduates, 17 non-graduates and 7 placement students* in its 2025 intake.
All the trainees will take part in BHP’s successful trainee scheme, which offers participants valuable experience across all the service lines the firm offers. The programme provides an opportunity for those embarking on a career in the finance industry to gain hands-on experience while studying for their professional qualifications.
This year’s programme, which in the past five years has supported over 193 professionals to build thriving careers, has kicked off with a two-week induction, bringing together the entire cohort along with past trainees and team members from across the business to share experiences and learning.
Karen Arch, chief people officer at BHP, said: “In an uncertain world, it’s crucial that we have the right talent in place for businesses and organisations looking for trusted advice, now and in the future.
“We are hugely proud of the development opportunities we offer to people through our leading training programme and it’s especially pleasing to be able to offer employment to the highest number in ten years despite the wider mixed economic outlook.
“A fifth of those joining us in this cohort are actually coming back, having previously worked with us during their year in industry at university or taken part in our Work Experience Academy, which is testament to our positive environment and values-driven culture.”
The BHP Work Experience Academy is designed to offer 16 to 18-year-olds still in education the chance to experience a wide range of work that accountancy professionals undertake, enabling them to decide if it could be the right career path for them.
Karen added: “As more routes to entry have opened up to employment across the accounting industry it’s fantastic that as an independent and growing business we are able to create career opportunities at all levels within our business for people to thrive.
“Every member of the team plays a pivotal role in supporting businesses and business owners with the ever changing regulatory requirements. This year our programme has welcomed not just the
next generation of advisors but also trainees who will pursue other development pathways across the business such as payroll and IT.
“This investment in the next generation of talent is part of the long-term stewardship of BHP, which has been providing advice, guidance and support to businesses and their owners across the UK for over 150 years. We look forward to seeing them thrive over the coming months and years.”
