If the number of trainees in the UK’s top 75 firms is an indicator of future growth in the sector, then the profession is anticipating busy times ahead. Currently, there are over 18,500 trainees learning their trade at these firms, 2,700 more than this time last year.

This 18% increase in trainee numbers marks a step change. After cutting back in the wake of the financial crisis, the firms have been steadily growing the number of trainees since 2011 when there was a total of 12,137. Now the profession is really gearing up for growth, for exceeding numbers a decade ago when there were 12,678 trainees. This year’s survey consolidates the sector’s strong expectations for growth.

It is not just the very largest firms that are taking on more trainees. The growth can be seen across the board, with only a small number reporting a decline in trainee numbers.