The trainees are a combination of university graduates, school leaver apprentices and students undertaking a 12-month industrial placement, and they join BDO’s 8,500 strong workforce across its four core business areas – audit, tax, deals and consulting, risk and outsourcing. 

Over half of this year’s cohort will be based in regions outside of London aligned to BDO’s commitment to sustained regional growth.

Following the arrival of 525 new trainees, more than one in four BDO employees are now undertaking a graduate or school leaver apprenticeship or industrial placement. However, this year’s number is down 12% on the over 600 new trainees who joined the firm last September. In total BDO had 1,425 trainees in the latest Top 75 Firms Survey in March 2026, down on the 1,688 figure the previous year.

BDO has significantly expanded its early engagement activity, reaching over 8,200 young people through its in-person events, social mobility programmes and virtual work experience opportunities; all of which are designed to support young people explore a career in professional services.

Additionally, this year’s early career intake will also include eight individuals who are alumni of the ‘Explore BDO’ insight programme, designed to support students in Year 12 and 13 from lower socio-economic background understand career pathways and broaden access into the accountancy profession.

Louise Sayers, head of people, culture & purpose at BDO, said: ‘The impact of investing in early career opportunities cannot be overstated and BDO is committed to supporting young people across the UK to reach their potential.

‘We know the ripple effect these pathways have. Not only do they have the power to break down generational barriers, but they also improve social mobility and make the accountancy sector, and society more generally, more inclusive and equitable for all.’

‘It’s such a rewarding experience to welcome our annual cohort of trainees to BDO. Each year they bring a wealth of fresh perspectives, energy and curiosity to the business.

‘With the skills shortages and labour market conditions businesses are facing today, it’s never been more important to offer meaningful career opportunities to help develop the leaders of the future.’

Shona Graham is now a second-year audit trainee, she joined BDO in the 2025 cohort. ‘I joined BDO just over a year ago after graduating from university. One of the first things that stood out to me was how welcoming and supportive everyone was,’ Graham said.

‘The firm really did feel people-focused from the start, and that’s something I’ve continued to experience throughout my first year. I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with clients, build my technical knowledge and take on real responsibility.

‘I feel like a trusted member of my team, and that has really helped me grow in confidence. What I’ve appreciated most is how approachable everyone is, from fellow trainees through to partners, making it easy to ask questions, and continue learning.

‘As I move into my second year at BDO, I’m looking forward to building on my experience, developing relationships across the firm and supporting the new intake of trainees as they settle in.’

BDO induction: building networks, confidence and skills

In their first week, the trainees are attending a two-day induction at Wembley Stadium where they’ll participate in sessions around innovation, technology and data, quality and risk, and personal brand. They’ll have the opportunity to network with their peers and meet new colleagues from around the business. The induction opened with a welcome from BDO UK managing partner, Mark Shaw.

Creating lasting impact 

As part of their wider induction to BDO, the new joiners will learn about their strengths and how technology is changing the workplace. They will be encouraged to think about how skills such as reasoning, critical thinking and creativity will help them succeed, alongside practical digital readiness learning modules and tools.

Additionally, following the success of this year’s firmwide Insight sessions which was run by first year trainees, this cohort will have the opportunity to deliver their own sessions next summer. It will give them a chance to develop their leadership, team building and community engagement skills through the firm’s Citizenship initiative.