A new generation of aspiring accountants have been given a step up the career ladder by award winning accountancy firm Robson Laidler as it launches its own training academy.
Based in Jesmond and Chester le Street, the accountancy and advisory firm which has been listed in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards 2024 has launched a comprehensive apprenticeship programme to recruit and develop the brightest new talent in its industry.
It guarantees apprentices a fully funded structured learning programme, personal development and study time, behavioural mapping, support from a dedicated mentor and a recognised accountancy qualification at the end of the programme through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
The launch comes after years of successful apprenticeships and graduate training opportunities at the firm, which has welcomed five of its latest new trainees as accounts assistants; Joseph Pinkney, Adam Gill and Robyn Arkley who will be based in Chester le Street and James Irving and Ben Hoggeth who will be based in the firm’s Jesmond office.
The new accounts assistants will gain both technical and softer business skills and will work across the accounts, audit and tax teams.
Associate director Georgina Rutter who has worked at the firm for seven years and started her career as an apprentice herself, is now a mentor to the new apprentices. She said: “The RL training academy is a sign of the Firm’s continued investment in talent development. The programme offers a clear development path with varied skills-based training and experience across all departments in our firm, so the apprentices can naturally find where their strengths and preferences lie.
“We have a long history of recruiting apprentices and graduates, with a very high percentage staying on with Robson Laidler to further their careers.
“I cannot wait to share my years of experience with the new apprentices. It truly is a collaborative team – everyone trains one another and shares their knowledge generously.”
New accounts assistant Adam Gill said: “I am so pleased to be joining such a well-respected and forward-thinking firm with a clear vision for the future.
“I didn’t think an apprenticeship was the route I wanted to go down and originally had my sights set on university. I attended the RL apprentice open evening last autumn and it completely transformed my thinking.
“I would recommend anyone considering a career in accountancy to try the apprenticeship route. You get the technical training without the cost of university fees and with such a great work-life balance at RL I don’t feel like I am missing out on ‘uni life’. Everyone at RL wants the best for you and I truly feel part of the team.”
All staff at Robson Laidler also receive regular 121s with their line managers and soft skills training delivered through lunch and learn sessions, podcasts and recorded presentations.
In addition, the team also benefits from a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including flexible working options, birthdays off, a benefits scheme with access to discounts at a range of supermarkets, stores, cinemas and popular restaurants, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and long service awards.
Robson Laidler works closely with Kaplan UK in Newcastle to provide AAT apprenticeships for 16 and 18-year-olds, as well as graduate ACA apprenticeships.
The next RL Apprentice Open Evening will be held at each of the firm’s offices on Thursday 7th November 5pm – 6:30pm at Jesmond and Thursday 21st November 5pm – 6:30pm at the Chester le Street office. Attendees will learn about accountancy as a career, engage with current trainees and can apply to join the firm in the summer of 2025. Email hr@robson-laidler.co.uk to confirm attendance.