Deloitte Work Experience

Harry Millward

Harry is an Assistant Manager in Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance business; his career began after taking part in their ASPIRE work insight programme.

Harry says; “I was raised in a disadvantaged area of Birmingham, but the school I went to was always really supportive. My maths teacher saw that I had an aptitude for maths and problem-solving, and he suggested accountancy as a possible career path.”

Harry explained: “University wasn’t my initial goal, as it wasn’t common for people from my background. My teacher introduced me to the possibility of accounting apprenticeships and Deloitte’s ASPIRE work insight programme, which I attended in 2020.”

Over the past four years, ASPIRE has provided over 400 students from low socio-economic backgrounds an insight into life at Deloitte. All students attending ASPIRE meet certain social mobility criteria outlined by Access Accountancy.

Participants are offered the opportunity to fast-track their application for a Deloitte BrightStart Apprenticeship following attendance on ASPIRE; 16 former ASPIRE students began their apprenticeships in September.

Harry commented: “ASPIRE has an emphasis on team-building activities and workshops focused on developing different skills. My positive experience led me to apply for the BrightStart apprenticeship.”

The BrightStart apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship, with the chance to gain professional and degree level qualifications. Apprentices study for fully funded recognised professional qualifications, alongside project experience and client exposure from day one.

Harry finished his apprenticeship in September 2024 and is now an Assistant Manager in Deloitte’s audit and assurance business. He said: “Everyone at the firm is invested in your growth and development, they all want you to succeed.

“It is important that the accountancy profession is even more accessible going forward, as it was never something I considered or that seemed a route I could take. Social mobility is an important topic – if everyone at a company is from the same background, nothing will change. By encouraging social mobility, you’re opening avenues for different opinions, which can only help you.”