Grant Thornton welcomes first cohort of digital trainees

As hybrid working and digital tools continue to proliferate the consulting sector, some firms are adapting their talent pipeline. Professional services firm Grant Thornton has announced it has welcomed its first cohort of “digital trainees”.

Richard Waite, people and culture director at Grant Thornton, said, "This is more than just a new intake of early career professionals. This is a decision about futureproofing our services but also ensuring that we continue to support the next generation of workers, and maintaining our commitment to building a workforce that’s diverse, forward-thinking, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow." 

Each year, Grant Thornton’s UK wing welcomes trainees to its offices across the country. This year, it has welcomed more than 240 early career professionals – but the 2025 intake marks a significant milestone, as the firm welcomes digital trainees for the first time, alongside those joining traditional pathways into tax, audit and advisory services.

The cohort, comprised of graduates and school leaver apprentices, will be supported through mentorship, structured learning initiatives, and opportunities to contribute to client delivery from day one. The addition of digital roles also opens new doors for candidates who might have previously applied for positions in other industries, looking to use their experience in coding, data science and digital design. The new digital trainees will specialise in areas such as data analytics, automation, cloud technologies, and digital transformation, reflecting the firm’s commitment in driving the acceleration of its digital innovation.  

Speaking on the benefits of the trainee programme from last year, Audit Trainee Kerry Kemmett said, “What really stood out about the firm’s programme was the support I received even before joining. From digital onboarding resources to having a dedicated contact in the early careers team and a buddy, I felt reassured and welcomed. Once I qualify, I’d love to get involved in facilitating training for new joiners and creating training modules to ensure others have the positive experience I did.” 

Grant Thornton’s longstanding trainee programme has been a cornerstone of its early careers offering for over a decade, supporting thousands of young people into meaningful employment and long-term careers in professional services. The introduction of digital trainees is part of Grant Thornton’s wider investment in technology and innovation, which has also included the roll-out of a £1 million digital mindset training programme for its people; and development of a technology and digital services proposition for clients.

Tharsan Baskaran, a new digital audit trainee, added, “The digital trainee pathway has opened doors and shown me that there’s space for people with skillsets like mine in the professional services industry, and it’s exciting to be part of that change. Beyond enjoying learning about the applications of technology in the business environment, I feel like I’m helping the firm deliver smarter, faster solutions.”