Start Ahead

Professional Apprenticeships

Start your professional career while others are still deciding theirs. Earn a salary. Gain professional qualifications. Build real experience from day one.

Current opportunities

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/Scottish Highers/BTEC Level 3, 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.

Explore opportunities

Work with real clients from day one

You'll work with local and national businesses, building practical experience and developing professional skills that will support your future career.

Earn a salary while building your future

Gain professional qualifications, practical experience and a full salary from day one, without university tuition fees.

A structured pathway to professional success

From your first day through to qualification, you'll follow a clear pathway supported by experienced colleagues, mentors and training providers.

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

Apply today

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

Apply here

What you’ll need to join us:

Achieved a minimum of 7 GCSEs at Grade 5 (C) or above (including Maths, English and at least one Science) or a minimum of 6 National Fives (including Maths, English and at least one Science) at Grade C or above.

Achieved already, or be predicted to achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS Points obtained at A Level, Scottish Highers or BTEC Level 3 or above.

Be at least 18 years of age or over by 31 August 2026.

If you have a degree, or if you are due to graduate in 2026, please direct your application to our Graduate Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser positions.

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Careers after School or College

Choosing what to do after A Levels can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're considering university, apprenticeships or other career options, Start Ahead offers a structured route into a professional career with salary, qualifications, real client experience and long-term opportunities.

Apply here

What life on the programme looks like

You'll spend your first two years developing strong technical and professional foundations through structured learning, qualifications and support. From there, you'll build broader experience through placements across the business. These placements may be based in one of our regional offices in Glasgow, Carlisle, Newcastle, Leeds or Manchester, so flexibility to work from different locations is essential.

Key dates

Assessment centres are expected to take place in December 2026, with full details provided to shortlisted candidates.
Successful candidates will join in [month] 2027.

Why join us

If you're ambitious, motivated and ready to challenge yourself, we'll give you the opportunity, support and experience to build a career most people won't start until years later. Over the next six years, you'll gain professional qualifications, build meaningful experience and develop the skills that turn talented individuals into trusted advisers.

Start your professional career while others are still deciding theirs.

What our colleagues say

We're committed to delivering the best client experience. Hear from those who have worked with us and discover how we've helped them achieve their goals.

Oliver Beattie

AAT - Level 4

“I have been at AW since July 2025 and am currently working towards my ATT Level 4. So far, I have completed one of my computer-based exams and found that the study period leading up to the exam was very helpful as what I was learning was instantly applicable to my day-to-day work as a tax compliance assistant. I am enjoying my time as an apprentice at AW as the job is very varied and the team I work within is great. Alongside my work and studies, it is also nice to get to know the other apprentices I work with and play some pool on our lunch break. Overall AW is a great place to be an apprentice.”

Fern Varah

AAT - Level 3

"I’m currently working towards my Level 3 AAT End Point Assessment and will soon be starting my Level 4 AAT qualification. Armstrong Watson has been a great place to complete my apprenticeship. I have received lots of great training not only for my Level 3 AAT qualification, but also for developing key personal skills like communication and organisation, which has really supported my personal growth and overall development. Also, everyone at Armstrong Watson is very friendly and wants you to succeed which creates a really positive and supportive work environment.”