Armstrong Watson marks National Apprenticeship Week with growing trainee cohort and appointment of firmwide Technical Training Director

Armstrong Watson is marking National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the growing number of trainees beginning their careers with the firm, and by strengthening the support they receive following the appointment of Technical Training Director, Chris Soan — former Associate Dean of Education at Newcastle University Business School.

Committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, the firm welcomes large cohorts of apprentices and graduates every year and now supports almost 200 trainees working towards qualifications across audit & assurance, accounting, tax and payroll – including 89 who joined in 2025. Looking ahead, Armstrong Watson is currently recruiting 74 new trainees across its offices in the North of England and Scotland — 27 AAT and six ATT positions, alongside 41 graduate roles to gain a Chartered ACA qualification which is equivalent to a master’s degree. All roles offer structured study support, practical experience with clients, and clear routes into specialist areas across the business.

Newcastle-based Daniel Lamb, who started working towards his Level 3 AAT qualification in September, said: “During my apprenticeship, I have found myself surrounded with kindness and support from all my colleagues, which has helped to build my knowledge as well as confidence in my day-to-day role. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far and have gained loads of new information and skills every single day to help me develop further.”

Armstrong Watson has a long history of employing trainees and is a proud advocate of apprenticeships as one of the best foundations for a successful career. This year, National Apprenticeship Week follows the appointment of Technical Training Director Chris Soan, whose work will continue to ensure students receive exceptional training and support.

Chris spent 16 years at Newcastle University and previously worked in both industry and practice - as a financial controller, a European Assurance Auditor and at two of the Big Four firms PwC and Deloitte - having qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant at Arthur Andersen.

He said: “My role is to strengthen the firm’s support framework for our students, empowering them on their journey to becoming confident, well-rounded professionals and ensuring they enjoy an exceptional learning experience.”

Welcoming the opportunity, Chris added: “I am delighted to be joining Armstrong Watson at such an exciting time for the business. I find it refreshing that a firm is prepared to invest in a new firmwide role which will continue to help its students enjoy an unrivalled training experience. This will help the delivery of exceptional client service as well as to further strengthen our leadership pipeline.”

Independent recognition reflects the firm’s sustained commitment to early careers. In 2025, Armstrong Watson was named among The Sunday Times Top Apprenticeship Employers, ranking 29th and marking a fourth consecutive year of recognition for developing the next generation and upskilling its workforce.

The firm has also featured in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, ranking 37th in 2024, up from 46th in 2023 and 64th in 2022 – and last year was recognised in The Sunday Times’ list of the Best Places to Work.