Supporting Apprenticeships at JW Hinks

National Apprenticeship Week provides a great opportunity to reflect on the role learning and development play in supporting the future careers of young people.

Apprenticeships aren’t just about achieving qualifications; they help people grow, gain confidence, and build the foundations for long-term careers in accountancy, audit, tax, payroll and more through real, hands-on experience in a professional working environment.

Many of our team members began their careers with apprenticeships, combining study with practical client work. Across our 14 current apprentices and many former trainees who have gone on to qualify, our supportive approach lays the groundwork for professional success, with 48 exams passed first time.

Our Deputy Managing Partner, Peter Smith, who heads up the apprenticeship training programme, said:

“Apprenticeships are important to our firm because they bring fresh perspectives, a strong eagerness to learn, and help strengthen our culture. By investing in people at the start of their careers, we not only support their development but also build future capability and foster a workplace where everyone benefits from shared learning and mutual support.”

Investing in Our People

We’re currently supporting 14 students across ACA, ACCA, AAT, and ATT qualifications.

Everyone’s path is different, and that’s part of the value of our programme, it allows people to progress in ways that suit their own strengths and career goals.

Apprentices benefit from structured study plans, mentoring, and hands-on client experience, where they can apply knowledge in real situations and grow as a professional.

Over the past year, several of our trainee team members have achieved significant milestones, including attaining professional qualifications, completing intermediate certifications, and making steady progress toward their professional goals.

Jake Smith, who joined us in 2022 and qualified in 2024, now mentors our current students.

“Starting my career as an apprentice at JW Hinks gave me the practical skills and confidence I needed to grow into my role. I really enjoy helping current students on their apprenticeship journey and seeing them build the same confidence and skills I gained. These skills, developed through training and support, ultimately help the firm grow and enable us to better support clients in an ever-changing regulatory environment.”

From Apprenticeships to Leadership Roles

The clearest evidence of our value can be seen in the careers of those who began their journey at the firm and chose to grow with us.

Dan Morgan, our current Managing Partner, joined the firm in 1999 as a Tax Assistant. Shortly after starting, he began his professional tax exams, completing his ATT and CTA qualifications by 2004.

Speaking about his journey, Dan said:

“Although I completed my professional training before apprenticeships were formally introduced, I was fortunate that the firm supported me with both the cost of my studies and the time I needed to succeed. That investment made a real difference to my development and highlighted the value of learning alongside practical experience.

“Modern apprenticeships take this even further, going beyond exams to help young people build confidence, communication skills, and commercial awareness from day one in a professional environment. My advice to new apprentices is to make the most of every opportunity: the technical knowledge will come with hard work, but the broader skills you develop along the way are just as important for a successful career.”

Dan is not the only example of long-term growth at JW Hinks. In 2003, James Cruse joined as an apprentice, learning the profession from the ground up. More than two decades later, he is now an Audit Partner, also playing a key role in shaping the future of the firm.

Developing Talent for the Future

As the profession continues to evolve, ongoing learning remains essential. This means continuing to invest in structured training, professional development, and clear progression routes for apprentices and trainees at every stage of their careers.

From supporting new starters through their first exams to helping experienced team members take on greater responsibility, the firm remains committed to developing talent from within.
Many of our people stay with us for the long term, building deep expertise and strong client

relationships along the way. This not only strengthens internal teams but also ensures clients benefit from the stability of knowledgeable, confident, and well-supported advisers.

Explore how a career with JW Hinks can help you build your future.