2026 Explore BDO programme
Location: Leeds and Birmingham
A bit about us
Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That’s BDO.
Looking to explore your future career options? The Explore BDO Insight Programme is your opportunity to gain new skills, meet inspiring people, and take your first steps towards a meaningful career.
Over two days, you’ll discover what a career in accounting could look like for you. You’ll hear from our brilliant people, take part in interactive sessions that bring our work to life, and get a feel for what it's like to be part of BDO.
You’ll build your confidence, grow your network and show us what you’ve learnt. There’s even the potential to fast-track into the next stage of our hiring process for a School Leaver Programme. Just like our careers, this opportunity goes way beyond the ordinary.
As for you
You’re curious, motivated, and ready to explore your future. If you’re in Year 12 or 13, attend a UK state school, and meet our social mobility criteria, this programme could be for you. Eligible candidates should meet the following criteria:
Predicted three A-levels or equivalent at grades A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects).
Have GCSEs/Scottish Standards in Maths and English at grades 9-4 (or equivalent).
Hold the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas for this programme.
To help us support those who need it most, we follow the Social Mobility Commission’s guidance. Eligible candidates may be considered if the main earner in their household works in:
Technical or craft work: motor mechanic, plumber, printer, gardener, train driver, electrician
Routine, semi-routine, manual, and service work: postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, sales assistant, HGV driver, cleaner, porter, packer, labourer
Long-term unemployed: claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance or earlier unemployment benefit for over a year
Not sure if your background qualifies? Apply anyway – our team will confirm once they’ve reviewed your application.
Where and When
The first day of the programme will be virtual, with the final day taking place in the either the London, Birmingham or Leeds office on the following dates:
Leeds- Tuesday 11th August (Teams) and Wednesday 12th August (in person)
Birmingham- Tuesday 18th August (Teams) and Wednesday 19th August (in person)
You must live within a commutable distance to the office you would like to apply for and be available on the specified dates for that location. We are also able to support with travel expenses.
Is it for you?
You don’t need any experience in business or accounting to take part; just curiosity and an interest in finding out more. This programme is designed to help you explore your options, build your confidence, and see if a career at BDO could be a good fit for you.
How the application process will go
Once you apply, you’ll complete an online test and a video interview. Don’t worry – we’ll send you tips and guidance to help you prepare.
You’ll need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. If that’s a barrier, just let us know – we’re here to support you.
We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share tips to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a real person.
Before you go
We’ve got 17 offices across the UK, but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team that cares. You’ll learn by doing, be supported by people who’ve been in your shoes, and build skills that actually matter. We’re serious about your well-being, flexible about how you work, and offer benefits that support you inside and outside of work.
Big enough to open doors. Personal enough to walk through them with you.
Go Beyond the Ordinary with BDO.
Apply now.
Our firm is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.
Skills Required
- Predicted three A-levels or equivalent at grades A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects)
- GCSEs/Scottish Standards in Maths and English at grades 9-4 (or equivalent)
- Must hold the right to work in the UK
What We Do
BDO UK provides tax, audit and assurance, advisory and business outsourcing services to companies across all sectors of the economy. We make the time and effort to understand our clients’ businesses and markets. Our partners and staff are specialists in their fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping clients overcoming the challenges they face. We aim to be as innovative and entrepreneurial as our clients. Our approach and expertise are what help us deliver exceptional client service. 95% of our clients would recommend us. We operate from 18 offices, covering all major business centres, so that we can be close to our clients. We employ 7,500 people who are allowed to be themselves; taking responsibility for their work and their relationships with clients. All our people share core values that underpin both our culture and the value that we bring to our clients. BDO LLP is a key member of the BDO global network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms. The firms have representation in 164 territories, with 95,400 people working out of 1,710 offices. Being a member of the BDO global network allows us to meet the needs of clients who are growing and trading internationally.
