The ten former students with an interest in working in the finance sector attended a presentation by James Hinton of Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB).
LTSB’s aim is to enhance social mobility of young people who don’t benefit from having family connections to blue chip companies. James explained the difference between a job and a career, stressing the importance of pursuing a career which links to personal interests, is aspirational and motivates.
LTSB focuses on accountancy careers due to their rewarding nature and the profession’s need to increase diversity. The programme also links with Manchester City Football Club as many of the skills developed in sport such as leadership, communication and teamwork are highly relevant in accountancy.
LTSB’s programme kicks off with a 5-month unpaid pre-apprenticeship followed by a 15-month paid apprenticeship with world class companies. The pre-apprenticeship covers the basics of accountancy, teaches employability skills and offers enrichment.
The 15-month paid apprenticeship is in partnership with top employers such as BKL, Bayerische Landesbank, Carpetright, Close Brothers, Colgate Palmolive, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, Johnson Matthey, Macquarie Group, NEX Plc, Redington, Rolls Royce, RSM, The Co-operative Bank, Zenith Bank and many others including ongoing personal and professional development by LTSB.
Overall, the initiative offers an innovative route into what is considered by many to be one of the most prestigious careers.
Steve Leach
Careers Advisor