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Trainee roles an alternative to higher education

February 2011

We are throwing a lifeline to school leavers disillusioned with the cost of further education and looking for alternatives to university by calling for young people to consider our annual trainee scheme.

Talented school leavers looking to break into the accountancy profession have just four weeks left to apply for one of up to a maximum of four trainee positions, which begin in September.

Stephen Castleman, Partner at Newby Castleman, says, “With the cost of further education spiralling and more young people looking for alternatives to university, we believe our trainee scheme is an excellent alternative that can provide a head start to a rewarding career.”

“We are not looking to recruit staff exclusively from the accounting disciplines however a strong academic background is essential. Client service is of paramount importance to us and we seek forward thinking, enthusiastic and hard working school leavers and graduates whose skills will complement those of our existing client services team.”

Beneficiaries of the Newby Castleman training scheme are two of last September’s arrivals, Stuart Mayfield (21) and Theresa Gutteridge (19), who joined the firm following their academic studies at the University of Lincoln and Countesthorpe Community College respectively.

Stuart, who lives in Braunstone Gate, graduated last summer with a BA (Hons) in Sport Business Management from the University of Lincoln. He comments, “I really enjoyed the accountancy section of my degree, plus with family in the profession the Newby Castleman trainee scheme seemed the perfect opportunity to start my career. I was delighted to hear that I had been selected as one of the firm’s trainees and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.”

Unlike colleagues who decided on higher education, Theresa, from Blaby, joined Newby Castleman a year after leaving Countesthorpe Community College following her A-Levels. She is now studying for her Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification.

"Most of my friends did go to university, "she says, "“but it wasn't something I was particularly keen on doing. I did receive an offer to study Spanish and Pyschology at the University of Sunderland, but I’ve always thought about going into accountancy so didn’t want to travel that far for a degree that I wouldn’t end up using."

"Several of my family are in the profession, as well as my next door neighbour who allowed me to go round and see the kind of work she does, so when I saw this trainee scheme it looked the ideal option to apply for. Working at Newby Castleman means I don’t have to deal with the expense of university and the subsequent debt, plus I’m working towards my accountancy qualifications whilst I’m here."