Professional Apprenticeships
Start Ahead
Start your professional career while others are still deciding theirs. Earn a salary. Gain professional qualifications. Build real experience from day one.
Your future starts here.
Start Ahead is Armstrong Watson's school leaver programme for ambitious students who want to build a professional career in accountancy, tax, audit or financial advisory services.
Whether you're considering university, an apprenticeship or other options after A Levels, Start Ahead gives you the opportunity to earn a salary, gain professional qualifications and build real experience from day one.
This is a structured six-year programme designed to help you develop into a trusted adviser while working towards Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser status.
You'll work with real clients, gain practical experience and develop the skills, confidence and relationships needed to build a successful career.
Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for five consecutive years, we're proud of our long-standing commitment to developing talented people through high-quality training, support and career opportunities.
Choose your pathway
Accountancy Pathway
Study AAT Levels 3 and 4, followed by ACA, leading to Chartered Accountant status.
Gain experience across:
- Business Services
- Audit & Assurance
- Tailored placements across the firm
Taxation Pathway
Study AAT followed by ATT and CTA, leading to Chartered Tax Adviser status.
Gain experience across:
- Personal Tax
- Corporate Tax
- Tailored development opportunities
Why choose Start Ahead?

What we look for
We're looking for people who:
- Bring energy, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn
- Take pride in the quality of their work and strive to do the right thing
- Build trust through their actions, reliability and professionalism
- Communicate confidently and build strong relationships
- Show curiosity, initiative and a willingness to solve problems
- Embrace opportunities to learn, grow and contribute
- Demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude
- Support and encourage those around them
- Treat people with respect, kindness and professionalism