Press Release
Grant Thornton unveils new programme to prepare new trainees with professional skills
15 Aug 2024
Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP announces the upcoming introduction of Career Launchpad, an innovative onboarding programme for trainees. Set to launch with the September 2024 intake of trainees in the firm’s Audit practice, Career Launchpad is a dynamic initiative to equip new trainees with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring that they thrive in their professional journey. Starting with an initial 12 weeks of practical and skills-based learning, the programme extends beyond this to set up trainees for future success with dedicated support and training.
Drawing from extensive research, including insights from young people and feedback from our own trainees, Career Launchpad is designed to address the evolving needs and challenges of new entrants into the workforce. It recognises the impact of external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and diversity, on work-study balance, mental health, resilience, and employee well-being, as well as generational differences.
A survey of 2,000 young people* conducted by Grant Thornton in July this year showed that whilst 70% of respondents had undertaken work experience, many still felt underprepared for various workplace aspects, particularly in professional skills like verbal presentation, persuading, influencing, and networking. Additionally, feedback from our trainees highlighted the need for additional training and preparation before engaging in client work. Career Launchpad is designed to bridge these gaps.
Unlike traditional onboarding programmes, Career Launchpad will provide a balanced approach to professional development for trainees. Recognising the stress and pressure associated with exam periods, the programme prioritises the mental well-being and resilience of our trainees while, at the same time, preparing them to deliver high-quality work. It refrains from involving them in client work during the first 12 weeks, focusing instead on technical training, exams, professionalism, and building personal resilience.
Career Launchpad offers trainees the opportunity to demonstrate technical and behavioural skills learned in a simulated environment, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a safe space while enabling the assessment of the programme's effectiveness. The onboarding programme is also committed to supporting diverse talent and ensuring that all trainees have equal opportunities for success at Grant Thornton. By providing a comprehensive foundation, it equips trainees with essential skills and knowledge for their professional careers.
Vicky McLoughlin, Audit Partner and sponsor for Career Launchpad, said:
“We are excited about the positive impact Career Launchpad will have on our trainees and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“The programme has been developed based on direct feedback from our trainees and the wider Audit practice. By providing a supportive foundation and addressing the softer skills essential for success, we are dedicated to empowering our trainees for a successful and fulfilling career journey at Grant Thornton. We look forward to the upcoming September launch and the positive outcomes it will bring for our new cohort of trainees.”
Notes to editors
*Censuswide, on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP, surveyed 2000 young people in the UK aged between 16-21 (nationally representative quotas applied for these ages) and 2000 parents in the UK with children aged 12-21 (nationally representative quotas applied) in July 2024.
