Hazlewoods accountants and business advisers have taken on a record number of apprentice recruits this year.

A total of 45 school leavers and graduates started AAT and ACA/ACCA apprenticeships with the Cheltenham-based firm this September. They join a well-established apprenticeship programme at Hazlewoods who currently support 127 apprentices in their studies and work-based training.

With a workforce of more than 450 based at Hazlewoods three offices in Cheltenham and Staverton, the business adviser said it is is proud to employ over one quarter of its workforce as apprentices.

Hazlewood's apprentice trainee programme is said to provide young people access to debt-free, first class training, as well as on-the-job learning working alongside exceptional businesses both in Gloucestershire and across the UK.

The accountancy and business advisory firm has strong careers links with local schools and has employed apprentices on leaving sixth form from Sir Thomas Rich's, Bournside, Chosen Hill, Balcarras, Ribston Hall High School, St Peter's and the Crypt School to name a few.

And for those students considering a career in accountancy, the firm also offers a number of 12- month university work placements, for students to gain valuable commercial experience and insight into the working world of Hazlewoods as a firm.

With the rising cost of living being impossible to escape in the mainstream media, it goes without saying that employees are seeking salaries that are keeping up with inflation. For those starting out with their careers, Hazlewoods is proud of the competitive starting salaries it is able to offer. Apprentice salaries start at £20,000 for school leavers joining the Level 4 AAT Apprenticeship; and £25,000 for graduate entry-level.

In what is set to be a period of significant economic challenges in the months ahead, it is likely that many businesses will consider reducing or at least pausing their recruitment and subsequent investment in people. Having recently launched a brand-new internal talent development programme across the firm, Hazlewoods aims to buck this trend and continues to develop its people and new recruits to reach their full potential.

As part of a continued drive to recruit the best talent, Hazlewoods has produced a new video, which reflects the welcoming, friendly and supportive spirit of the business and its employees.

HR director Sue Golding said: "We are so pleased to be able to launch our new video which really showcases what both Gloucestershire and Hazlewoods have to offer to potential new recruits, both from the local area and those from further afield who may be looking to relocate."

"We're not the only ones convinced that Gloucestershire is a great place to live and work, and alongside other organisations like GFirst LEP and GCHQ we aim to encourage more young people to pursue their careers in Gloucestershire with us."

Marketing director Alison Townsend added: "By increasing the number of apprenticeships available we want to support the local economy and help ensure Gloucestershire is seen as an attractive and appealing place to work and live. We are committed to creating more opportunities to encourage local school leavers and graduates to remain in the county - whilst flying the Gloucestershire flag to attract new recruits to move into the area."

"This is a really exciting time to join Hazlewoods - our revenues continue to grow year on year, and we have recently expanded into new offices on the Promenade in Cheltenham. As our client base grows accordingly - the breadth of commercial experience on offer to our apprentice trainees is second to none. We have over 2,000 local clients in Gloucestershire, and many more national clients based all over the UK who our trainees work alongside as they develop their careers, underpinned by an excellent training and support programme with friendly business mentors."

Training and support are at the core of developing people at Hazlewoods, as Sue Golding elaborates " Our apprentices are our future. As our business continues to thrive so do the training opportunities alongside an impressive range of UK clients. I am so proud that we can offer such a significant proportion of apprenticeship and work placement opportunities to those students wanting to pursue a career in accountancy and business advisory. "

"Furthermore, for those apprentices with ambitions to develop their career to their fullest potential - we offer a clear and supportive "Pathway to Partner" scheme. "

Hazlewoods also offers a range of training, qualified and senior management roles alongside operational career opportunities in IT, marketing, HR and business administration. View these and get a taste of working life at Hazlewoods by watching their latest video at www.hazlewoods.co.uk/careers.

Applications for September 2023 school leaver and graduate apprentice training programmes open in October 2022. Email earlycareers@hazlewoods.co.uk for more information.