Accountants ranked in top 50 apprenticeship employers

A Hoddesdon accountants is celebrating after being awarded 26th place in the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2024.

HB Accountants, where apprentices make up 40 per cent of the workforce, joins more than 1,500 apprenticeship employers from diverse industries and business sectors that have entered these rankings.

Director Karen Chase said: “Recognition among such a distinguished group is an honour and highlights our entire team’s dedication and hard work. Being placed in both the 2023 and now the 2024 Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers nationally reflects our consistent efforts, and I am very proud of all the team and, of course, all of our fabulous apprentices!”

At HB Accountants, the apprentice programme is a vital tool for career development and industry growth. It nurtures the next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with the essential knowledge and experience for success.

Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for the company. Karen and Manager Vicki Foster are both mothers of teens who have chosen apprenticeships.

Director Catherine Hill, a mum of young children, said: “A key element of our apprenticeship programme’s success lies in the supportive work environment we have cultivated. We understand that fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment is crucial for our team’s overall wellbeing and professional growth.

“We prioritise open communication, encourage internal and external collaboration, and ensure that our apprentices are treated as valued members of the team from day one.”

Karen added: “Our dedication to training and development is further validated by our participation in supporting Broxbourne School’s T Level cohort with their T Level students’ required work experience over the past two years. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing meaningful and practical learning opportunities that prepare students for the professional world.”

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers awards showcase organisations that have made the most impact in providing apprenticeship opportunities over the past 12 months.

HB Accountants is in discussions with Gareth Dace from Hertfordshire Futures, and Claire Bayless, Love Hoddesdon BID Manager, to implement a programme where local college/6th form students can rotate through five different businesses in a single week (or over the course of five weeks, one day per week at each business).