Grant Thornton launches pioneering early careers programme with market-leading pay
Leading business and financial advisor Grant Thornton UK today announces the launch of its market-leading early careers programme, which will provide new joiners with a defined pathway through to partner.
- New programme offers a defined pathway from trainee to partner, not just to qualification
- Trainees will benefit from a market-leading starting salary, increased client exposure, international secondments and a dedicated partner sponsor throughout
- The programme continues post-qualification, keeping support in place throughout their career at the firm
As Grant Thornton continues to invest in the pipeline that will shape its future leadership, the programme focuses on structured learning built around developing the capabilities of a future partner, not just the technical skills.
Those joining the programme, which launches in September 2027, will benefit from:
- Market-leading starting salary
- A named Partner sponsor from day one
- Business development training to support networking skills and client interactions
- Enhanced client exposure, with cross-service line and international secondments
- A digitally enabled curriculum, giving trainees access to leading AI tools and digital solutions
- A fully-funded professional qualification, including paid study leave and expert tuition
They will also become part of one connected cohort of new joiners across all service lines which, combined with a dedicated partner sponsor, will build a genuine sense of belonging. All existing Associates will benefit from this new programme.
The programme consists of two elements, ‘Ascent’ providing support during qualification and ‘Summit’ providing ongoing support post-qualification to partner.
Designed to foster both professional growth and a strong sense of community, the programme provides a clearer line of sight to future leadership and long-term success in the firm.
Abigail Fisher, Chief People Officer, Grant Thornton UK, said:
“We are making a significant investment in our people proposition from how we recruit our future partners, to how we develop the talent already here. We want everyone to see a genuine path to partnership, backed by real investment in getting them there, including business development training at every level of the firm.
"Our 2027 Associate programme is the clearest expression of that ambition. It's built around international secondments, client secondments and a named Partner sponsor for every Associate. This together with market leading pay sets us apart. There are future partners of this firm in sixth forms and university lecture theatres right now, deciding where to start. We want them to choose us, and to know that if they do, we'll invest in them from day one.”
The first cohort will join the new programme in September 2027.