Partnering with us
We have an established trainee programme, recruiting apprentices through close relationships with local colleges and schools. We are then able to work with tutors to identify potential candidates with the necessary attributes – intellectually but also attitudinally, for that transition between education and work environments.
One such relationship is that of our Bristol office and St. Brendan's Sixth Form College. With shared values and aspirations in supporting the next generation transition into the workplace, this partnership is flourishing.
Over the past 3 years we have seen 11 apprentices join our Bristol office alone, and it is with these close relationships with local colleges and schools that enables us to be considered as a potential placement for students looking for an apprenticeship.
We are excited to see our apprentices develop into the advisors of the future. An annual intake ensures an ongoing peer group to learn from, for shared experiences and the mutual support which improves the chances of successful completion.
Hear from previous students now working at Haines Watts…
Rhys Gudge | Accounts, Audit and Business Services | Bristol
Studying towards ACA with First Intuition
Former student of St. Brendan's; studied math’s, further math’s, business, and accounting
I’m completing an accountancy apprenticeship with Haines Watts. Within my role I prepare and file accounts for a range of companies. This is part of a rotation where I move between accounts prep, outsourcing, tax, and audit.
I opted for an apprenticeship to gain hands-on practical experience in accountancy whilst simultaneously earning a qualification. It seemed like a valuable pathway to bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world application.
I learnt about the apprenticeship opportunity through college when Haines Watts presented a job role. The college, particularly Jenny, hosted and enabled these sessions providing crucial support and guidance on how to apply and achieve an apprenticeship.
I would recommend an apprenticeship as it provides a unique learning experience combining on-the-job training with formal education. It offers a practical and often faster route to acquire the relevant skills and knowledge with the bonus of no student debt.
I would advise students considering an apprenticeship to thoroughly research companies to best choose a program that aligns with their career goals. They should anticipate challenges, embracing them as new learning opportunities and make the most of both the practical experience and knowledge offered during the apprenticeship.
Ollie Chittell | Accounts, Audit and Business Services | Bristol
Former student of St. Brendan's; accounting and business at AS Level as well as B-Tech sport
I chose an apprenticeship at Haines Watts because I liked what they had to offer; supporting me through my studies and exams. I liked that I would get to rotate around the business throughout the different services they provide.
The reason I chose to do an apprenticeship over other options such as university is because I feel, particularly in the accounting industry, you can get just as far (if not further) by doing an apprenticeship than you can with a university qualification.
I found out about the apprenticeship at St. Brendan’s when Conor, one of the Director’s from Haines Watts, came in to give a talk. It really sparked my interest in the industry and hearing about what opportunities Haines Watts as a whole has to offer further down your career.
I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship because you simultaneously get to develop professional skills as well as general life skills that will help you throughout the rest of your career.
One piece of advice I would give to anyone looking to do an apprenticeship is to make sure you do your research and to choose the best suited for you and your future. I’d also say it’s important that it’s something you can see yourself doing long term, as personally I wouldn’t want to spend time doing exams to end up doing something in my future totally unrelated.
