Schoolchildren get a taste of accountancy

Children from Joseph Leckie Academy in Birmingham got a taste of work when they visited an office of one of the country’s leading accountancy and advisory businesses.

The youngsters from Years 7 and 8 were invited to Azets as part of the King’s Trust World of Work initiative.

Staff designed interactive sessions for the 11 to 13-year-olds who were shown around and met staff who explained what they do.

The King’s Trust – formerly The Prince’s Trust – is a charity founded 50 years ago by the King to support young people aged 11 to 30.

It focuses particularly on those facing disadvantage, helping them develop skills, gain confidence and enter education, training or employment.

Azets, one of the top ten UK accountancy and advisory firms, is a charity partner of the trust and was keen to take part in the World of Work initiative to introduce young people to accountancy.

Pupils from Birmingham’s Joseph Leckie Academy on their visit to Azets

Karen Carty, Senior Administrator from Azets, said: “We hosted two groups from the school along with teachers and representatives of the King’s Trust.

“We wanted to give them a feel of what accountancy is and explain what qualifications are required and what the job roles and career paths look like.

“We were able to introduce them to the Office Managing Partner as well as those who have recently joined us, including graduates.

“The youngsters were highly receptive and interested in the business and the sector; we explained that Azets employs 7,000 people in 87 offices with 120,000 clients.

“There were also interactive sessions in the boardroom where they really impressed us and asked some superb questions.

“Hopefully there will be students among them who become interested in accountancy and might even join us in the future.

“Being a charity partner of the King’s Trust means we are committed to support them and will aim to do that in a variety of ways.”

Ben Sheldon, Office Managing Partner, said: “We make a real effort to engage with our local community, whether that is with our Rise & Connect breakfasts for young professionals or hosting schoolchildren.

“It is a great initiative by the King’s Trust and I hope the youngsters gained an insight into accountancy and what is involved. They are at that age where many are starting to think about their careers.

“I know our staff also learned things from the experience and intergenerational interaction is good for everyone.”