While firms from all sectors are struggling to find the right staff, Hazlewoods has unveiled part of its own master plan and an incredible investment in the future of Gloucestershire – a record 45 apprentices.
The county accountants and business advisors have taken on the school leavers and graduates on AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and ACA/ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) apprenticeships, starting later this September 2022.
They join a well-established programme which now supports 127 apprentices at a firm employing 450 staff across three offices in Cheltenham and Staverton; serves more than 2,000 clients in Gloucestershire alone; turns over an estimated £34 million; and last year, helped complete deals worth more than £1 billion.
Alison Townsend, the firm's marketing director, said: ‘This is a really exciting time to join Hazlewoods – our revenues continue to grow year on year, and we have recently expanded into new offices on the Promenade in Cheltenham.
‘As our client base grows accordingly – the breadth of commercial experience on offer to our apprentice trainees is second to none.
‘We are committed to creating more opportunities to encourage local school leavers and graduates to remain in the county – whilst flying the Gloucestershire flag to attract new recruits to move into the area.’
Hazlewoods is using the grand reveal to attract more staff in anticipation of further growth.
Sue Golding, HR director at Hazlewoods, said: ‘We are so pleased to be able to launch our new video which really showcases what both Gloucestershire and Hazlewoods have to offer to potential new recruits, both from the local area and those from further afield who may be looking to relocate.
‘We’re not the only ones convinced that Gloucestershire is a great place to live and work, and alongside other organisations like GFirst LEP and GCHQ we aim to encourage more young people to pursue their careers in Gloucestershire with us.’
Hazlewoods said it had forged strong links with Gloucestershire schools and employed apprentices leaving sixth form from the likes of Sir Thomas Rich’s, Bournside, Chosen Hill, Balcarras, Ribston Hall High School, St Peter’s and the Crypt School.
Its also offers a number of 12-month university work placements for students to gain valuable commercial experience and insight into the working world of Hazlewoods as a firm.
Apprentice salaries start at £20,000 for school leavers joining the Level 4 AAT Apprenticeship; and £25,000 for graduate entry-level.
