A Cumbrian firm named among the UK’s top apprenticeship employers is preparing to welcome more than 28 new trainees.

Armstrong Watson enrols a number of apprentices every year, working towards their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) qualifications.

This year, the batch includes 21 AAT starters and four ATT entrants, up from 17 across both courses in 2023.

The business is also recruiting two payroll apprentices.

September will see the commencement of these apprenticeships at the company’s regional branches dotted across the North of England and Scotland, including 12 in Cumbria.

The apprentices will join the Accounting and Tax Compliance teams and will balance practical experience with classroom study as they work towards their qualifications.

Further progression is also possible with the ACA Graduate Scheme to become chartered accountants.

A total of 37 graduates either joined Armstrong Watson or pivoted to the ACA programme this year.

CEO and managing partner, Paul Dickson, said: "We’re pleased to welcome our 2024 apprentices who have been carefully selected from hundreds of applicants.

"With Armstrong Watson they have many opportunities ahead of them for a successful career and we wish them all the best in their qualifications."

Richard Andrew, head of accounting and business services, also expressed his support and pride in the firm's investment in its training programmes.

He said: "We continue to invest in our training programmes year on year and this provides us with an incredible pool of talent, many of whom go on to have long and successful careers in the business.

"I’m so proud of the training, support and development our students receive from our dedicated training manager Karen Blaylock and really believe our programme, and the experience our trainees receive, is unrivalled in the sector."

Armstrong Watson's commitment to taking on trainees extends as far back as the firm’s inception.

This year the firm received recognition by the Department of Education for its apprenticeship programme, which ranks at 37 in the national league, a climb from a previous rank of 46 in 2023 and 64 in 2022.

Jane Kiernan, head of learning and development, said: "Featuring in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for the third year running is a fantastic achievement for us all.

"Moving steadily up the rankings year on year shows how dedicated we are to growing and developing our own talent.

"As a firm with a long history of developing future talent through our apprenticeship schemes in our accountancy, tax and payroll service lines, we are very proud of our continued commitment to our talented and hardworking apprentices."