At First Intuition, we work with employers across practice and industry to help them engage, recruit and develop school leavers into confident, qualified accountants. This page brings together practical guidance, expert insight and resources to help you build a sustainable school leaver strategy, whether you’re just getting started or looking to formalise an existing programme.
Discover how apprenticeships can kickstart a successful career in accounting this NAW 2026. Find out more about our apprenticeship programmes and how First Intuition supports talent throughout.
Download Employers Guide | Free School Leaver Report | FITT Forum | Resources for Employers
Our guide is designed for accountancy employers who want to move beyond ad hoc outreach and build a structured, long-term school leaver pipeline.
Download our free report to find out why major employers are rushing to recruit school leavers and how to make sure you’re not left behind.
Download our guide to planning, implementing and monitoring market leading school leaver programmes here.
Apprenticeships have always been a core part of our firm’s long‑term strategy. Bringing people in at the start of their careers allows us to shape their development, embed our values and create a strong pipeline of future-qualified staff. By developing talent internally, we reduce recruitment risk, increase retention, and ensure that we have the right skills in place as our organisation grows. Apprenticeships have also enabled us to diversify our routes into the profession, strengthening our team with individuals from a broader range of backgrounds.
— Paul Davis – Partner, Bright Grahame Murray
The resources below have been developed to support employers at each stage of the school leaver lifecycle, from attraction and recruitment through to onboarding, apprenticeships and long-term development.
What really sets First Intuition apart is their willingness to work in partnership with us and find the right solution, within reason. We did trial other providers when we needed more flexibility around enrolment and course dates, but in both cases, we ultimately ended those engagements and moved apprentices back onto First Intuition programmes. We felt the overall quality of training delivery was unmatched. They give clients what they need, not simply what they want, whilst remaining open to constructive suggestions on how to enhance the apprentice learning experience.
— Reon Fourie – Head of UK Finance, Orbis Investment Advisory Limited
For organisations at an early stage, we recommend starting with our Employer Guide and Student Recruitment Report, which provide practical insight into what effective school leaver engagement looks like. If you already have a programme in place, the resources above can help you refine your approach, covering attraction, onboarding, apprenticeships, funding, and long-term development.
Alternatively, our employer team is available to discuss your strategy, share insights from across the sector, and guide you to the resources most relevant to your needs.
