The latest intake includes 1,353 new graduates, apprentices and industrial placement students who are joining this week to work towards chartered accountancy exams under training contracts or as part of their degree programme placements. There are also a further 150 new starters, including 130 people who started in the firm’s technical academies and have progressed into Deloitte’s UK-wide technology teams.

Darren Graves, Deloitte UK CEO, said: ‘We are committed to supporting the next generation of talent, through providing meaningful roles and invaluable work experience. We recognise the critical role these young people play in shaping the future of both our firm and society, and the importance of giving them the skills needed to thrive.’ 

While there has been talk of a decline in hiring at the Big Four due to the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, the latest figures do not reflect this, with a strong intake this year at Deloitte, comparable to last year, and ‘reflects Deloitte’s commitment to developing the next generation of talent, strengthening skills and supporting growth across the UK’.  

The new starters bring the total number of trainees at the firm to around 2,800, although this is significantly lower than PwC’s total trainee figure of 3,372 and EY at 3,337. Deloitte is ranked third in terms of total trainee numbers in the Top 75 Firms Trainees Survey, slightly ahead of KPMG at 2,748 trainees.

As in previous years, the Deloitte trainees will be based across the UK with 44% located outside of London, reflecting the importance of the firm’s regional reach.

Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte, added: ‘We are incredibly proud of the graduates, apprentices, technology trainees, and placement students who join us each year, whose fresh perspectives and innovative ideas make a tangible impact on our clients and our firm.

‘Through our programmes, thousands of young people gain essential skills, build confidence, and take their crucial first steps into the professional world.’ 

Deloitte has also appointed Laura Blackledge as head of talent engagement for early careers, leading the team responsible for how the firm engages and connects with future talent across the UK.

‘There’s a lot happening in the world of early careers right now,’ Blackledge said. ‘The way young people think about work is changing, AI is reshaping both education and the workplace, and employers have an increasingly important role to play in helping people understand the skills they’ll need and the opportunities available to them.

‘It makes it a particularly exciting time to be joining Deloitte and a brilliant team already doing some great work in this space.’

Apprenticeship route

This year’s early careers intake includes 182 BrightStart apprentices. 

Maurice Lima, who has just completed his first year as a BrightStart apprentice in Deloitte’s audit & assurance business, described his decision to join the firm as a ‘brilliant opportunity’ that offered a practical and supportive learning environment. 

‘Coming straight from sixth form college, I knew the traditional classroom environment wasn’t for me,’ Maurice said. ‘When my college introduced me to the idea of degree apprenticeships, I was really excited about the opportunity to attain the ACA qualification.   

‘I've gained an immense amount of knowledge in my first year at Deloitte, making it an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to get everything right the first time, that you don’t need to know everything, and that you can always learn from your colleagues.

‘Everyone, including senior leaders, has been so supportive. I’ve also loved working with people across different departments through social events and my role as an Outer Circle ambassador.’ 

Deloitte’s induction programme

During their first week, new joiners will participate in induction programmes, learning about their strengths and how technology is changing the workplace. Reflecting wider concerns about the decline in critical thinking due to AI, a key focus will be on encouraging the trainees to understand ‘how skills such as good judgement, creativity, and empathy will help them succeed’, Deloitte stressed.

They will also network with peers and leaders and develop the adaptability essential for navigating successful careers, developing skills that work across different roles. Their business-specific onboarding programmes will continue over the next few weeks. 

Deloitte is also ramping up its work with schools, with a new initiative called Explore Work, an online work insight programme designed to help students in years 9, 10, and 11 improve their workplace skills. Over 4,500 school pupils have already signed up for the programme.