2026 intake of early-career staff to hit 1,500 at Deloitte
Big Four firm Deloitte has announced it will onboard 1,353 new graduates, apprentices, and industrial placements across 21 UK offices. As the firm looks to grow its profile beyond the capital, 44% of the hires will start their careers outside London.
Darren Graves, Deloitte’s CEO for the UK, said, “At Deloitte, we are committed to supporting the next generation of talent, through providing meaningful roles and invaluable work experience. We recognise the critical role these young people play in shaping the future of both our firm and society, and the importance of giving them the skills needed to thrive.”
During their first week, new joiners will participate in induction programmes designed to build the foundations for a successful career at Deloitte. They will learn about their strengths and how technology is changing the workplace, while being encouraged to consider how skills such as good judgement, creativity, and empathy will help them succeed.
The 1,353 young professionals join 130 individuals who started in Deloitte’s technical academies, and have progressed into Deloitte’s UK-wide technology teams, as well as a further 20 individuals who will enter the academies later this month. The total intake is consistent with previous years, including 2025, and the firm says this “reflects Deloitte’s commitment to developing the next generation of talent, strengthening skills and supporting growth across the UK.”
Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte, added, “We are incredibly proud of the graduates, apprentices, technology trainees, and placement students who join us each year, whose fresh perspectives and innovative ideas make a tangible impact on our clients and our firm. Through our programmes, thousands of young people gain essential skills, build confidence, and take their crucial first steps into the professional world.”
The move comes as talk around the largest consulting firms centres on reducing junior headcount, to maximise savings from AI implementations. But as Deloitte looks to keep people at the heart of its operations, this year’s early careers intake includes 182 BrightStart apprentices. The BrightStart apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn programme, offering fully funded professional and degree-level qualifications alongside project experience and client exposure from day one.
Maurice Lima, who has just completed his first year as a BrightStart apprentice in Deloitte’s audit and assurance business, described his decision to join the firm as a "brilliant opportunity" that offered a practical and supportive learning environment.
Lima remarked, “Coming straight from sixth form college, I knew the traditional classroom environment wasn’t for me. When my college introduced me to the idea of degree apprenticeships, I was really excited about the opportunity to attain the ACA qualification. I’ve gained an immense amount of knowledge in my first year at Deloitte, making it an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to get everything right the first time, that you don’t need to know everything, and that you can always learn from your colleagues. Everyone, including senior leaders, has been so supportive. I’ve also loved working with people across different departments through social events and my role as an Outer Circle ambassador.”
