The largest cohort of trainees will join the audit practice with 400 signing up for this, made up of a combination of school leaver apprentices and university graduates. More than 280 of the trainees are based in the regions outside of London and the southeast.  

As part of their training programme, the majority of the joiners will also have the opportunity to study for the level-7 apprenticeship programme, resulting in a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree.

In total, BDO has 1,626 trainees working towards professional qualifications, up 6% on the previous year, with 1,012 apprentices. Last year the firm estimated that it would need 700 trainees so the number of hires was slightly down but reflects a similar number to the 2022 intake.