Our work experience programme, Ignite, has been designed to give you an insight into the world of accountancy, and the career opportunities this can offer you.

Open to Y12/S5 and Y13/S6 students, you’ll spend four days in one of our offices, getting hands-on experience and immersing yourself in life at Grant Thornton. If you stand out during the programme, you could fast-track onto one of our school leaver programmes once you finish your studies. On the final day, you’ll have an exclusive careers conversation with our team, and if you perform well, you might even walk away with a job offer.

You bring the spark. We'll help you ignite.

Ignite is designed specifically for those looking to transition into a school leaver programme, so if that sounds like the right path for you, we’d love to see your application. Register your interest below and we'll let you know when applications open for our 2026 programme. 

Why Ignite?

We do work experience differently. We’ve designed Ignite to give you a real insight into life at the firm - you’re not here to make tea. During your week with us, you’ll develop skills that will help you both personally and professionally. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect during your time with us:

  • Gain practical work experience within the business.
  • Develop an understanding of how businesses work, and the career opportunities available to you.
  • Group sessions developing key skills such as teamwork and communication.
  • Focused professional development sessions, equipping you with skills that really help set you apart.
  • Networking with colleagues from Grant Thornton.

And, the cost of your travel and lunch is on us. We want you to get the most out of your time with us, enjoying your work experience while igniting a passion for a career with us.

What’s more, Ignite could be your fast-track to our school leaver programme. If you demonstrate the qualities that align with what we look for in a Grant Thornton trainee, you may be invited to take the next step.

Locations

  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Cambridge
  • Gatwick
  • Glasgow
  • Leeds
  • Liverpool
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Milton Keynes
  • Oxford
  • Reading

We would encourage you to consider applying to an office which is a commutable distance from your current location.

How does the application process work?

1.

You’ll start your application by filling in a quick and easy online form. We’ve tried to keep this as painless as possible and only ask for the essentials. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete.

2.

This is followed by an online assessment which usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete. You will then complete a written case study which is a great opportunity to find out more about the type of work we do here at Grant Thornton. This stage will take around 20 minutes to complete.

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Virtual work experience

As well as Ignite, we also offer Access Accountancy: our virtual work experience programme designed to provide students and pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds with insight into the world of accountancy and professional services.

The programme is open to people who meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are or have been eligible for free school meals.
  • You attend a school that is above the regional average in terms of the number of students eligible for free school meals.
  • You would be the first member of your immediate family to attend university.

The programme will run for three days between 16 and 18 February, 2026 and is held remotely to improve accessibility.