This National Apprenticeship Week Jacob Grattage focuses on successful accountancy apprentices and the different routes they took to achieve their goals, with many avoiding the traditional university route.

Growing up in Bristol and completing her A-Levels, Sophia Bailey (pictured), 19, would have been the first person in her family to attend university, initially set to study in Birmingham.

However, after attending a Big Four work experience day in her gap year her interest in consultancy was reinforced.

After the open day, Sophia secured a space on Deloitte’s BrightStart scheme, moving to London in September 2025 and taking up a role working in the firm’s consulting business.

Sophia said: ‘I found the partners I’ve worked with very welcoming, and the colleagues I work with are really encouraging. I’d recommend the apprenticeship programme to anyone looking to get hands on work experience whilst you earn.’

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