Apprenticeships for Carrick accounting students

Leah Thompson has been offered a place with Deloitte in the area of Assurance through their BrightStart Scheme, following a demanding five-stage application process.

This began with an online application and aptitude test, but also included an app game and an assessment day in which Leah took part in a group interview, a one to one interview and a written assessment.

Candidates who passed the assessment day were then invited for interview with one of the firm’s partners.

Leah is the first pupil from Carrickfergus Grammar School to apply for the Deloitte BrightStart scheme in the area of Accounting.

Jordan McCrea is a pupil of Ulidia Integrated College and studies at Carrickfergus Grammar as part of the Carrickfergus Learning Community.

Jordan has been offered a place on PwC’s School Leavers’ Programme in the area of Tax, also following a five-stage application process.

This is the third year in succession that Carrickfergus Grammar School pupils have been successful in achieving a place on the popular apprenticeship programme. Previously Michael Smylie, Ryan McClurg, Connor Simms and Alex Smyth have also gained places.

These schemes allow candidates to study towards a professional qualification whilst also working for the organisation on various client projects across the UK, Europe and possibly even further afield. The apprenticeship programmes are a genuine alternative for talented individuals who are interested in a career in accountancy, finance or consulting, but are not enticed by university life or are wary of the financial burden imposed by university tuition fees.

They are now looking forward to the opportunity to develop their business and accounting skills whilst earning a competitive salary and undertaking formal training and qualifications.