Grant Thornton unveils new onboarding programme

Professional services firm Grant Thornton has announced it will launch a new onboarding programme for its future trainees. The Career Launchpad service draws on new research to address the evolving challenges of entrants into the workforce.

Vicky McLoughlin, audit partner and sponsor for career launchpad, said ,“We are excited about the positive impact Career Launchpad will have on our trainees and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

Set to launch with the September 2024 intake of trainees in the firm’s audit practice, Career Launchpad aims to equip new trainees with essential skills and knowledge. Beginning with an initial 12 weeks of practical and skills-based learning, the programme extends beyond this, to set up trainees for future work with dedicated support and training.

Employee welfare is also at the heart of the changes. Unlike traditional onboarding programmes, Career Launchpad will provide a balanced approach to professional development for trainees. Recognising the stress and pressure associated with exam periods, the programme prioritises mental well-being and resilience of trainees while, and refrains from involving them in client work during the first 12 weeks. 

According to a release from Grant Thornton, Career Launchpad will provide trainees with the chance to show technical and behavioral skills learned in a simulated environment, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a safe space. At the same time, this will enable Grant Thornton to assess how successful the programme has been without any real-world consequences.

McLoughlin added, “The programme has been developed based on direct feedback from our trainees and the wider Audit practice. By providing a supportive foundation and addressing the softer skills essential for success, we are dedicated to empowering our trainees for a successful and fulfilling career journey at Grant Thornton. We look forward to the upcoming September launch and the positive outcomes it will bring for our new cohort of trainees.”

A survey of 2,000 young people in the UK conducted by Grant Thornton in July 2024 showed that whilst 70% of respondents had undertaken work experience, many still felt underprepared for various workplace aspects, particularly in professional skills like verbal presentation, persuading, influencing, and networking. Drawing from this, the Career Launchpad initiative also recognises the impact of external factors, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and diversity, on work-study balance, mental health, resilience and employee well-being, as well as generational differences.