Grant Thornton Ignite Work Experience August 2026 – Cambridge

Grant Thornton Ignite Work Experience August 2026 – Cambridge Overview

This is a four-day in-person work experience programme that gives students an early look into accountancy and life at Grant Thornton. The experience is designed to be practical and engaging, with a mix of real work, development activities, and opportunities to meet people across the firm. It is intended to help participants understand what a future career in accountancy could involve and whether a school leaver route might be the right next step after finishing school.

What the programme involves

• You will spend time on real work with the Audit teams, giving you direct exposure to the kind of tasks and thinking involved in professional services.
• You will take part in development sessions that are designed to build confidence and strengthen the skills needed in a workplace environment.
• You will join group-based activities that are intended to improve teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• You will have the chance to meet colleagues from different parts of Grant Thornton, helping you start to build a network and learn from people with different roles and experiences.
• You will gain insight into how businesses operate and discover the range of career opportunities that can open up through accountancy.

Who the programme is for

The programme is aimed at students in Year 12 or Year 13 as of September 2026 who are interested in learning more about accountancy and business. It is particularly suited to students who are considering starting their career through a school leaver programme after school. The firm says it especially welcomes applications from people who are genuinely interested in that route and want real responsibility, learning, and development from the start.

No previous work experience is needed. The ideal applicant is someone who is enthusiastic, curious, and eager to learn, with a clear interest in business. Grant Thornton also looks for people whose personal style reflects its values: being purposeful, actively curious, and candid while still being kind.

Location and attendance

The programme takes place in the Cambridge office and is delivered entirely in person. Applicants should make sure the office is within a reasonable commuting distance from where they live. Full attendance is required, and you must be available for the entire four-day programme in order to complete it successfully.

The dates are Monday 17 August to Thursday 20 August 2026.

Why this experience could be valuable

• It offers a genuine introduction to accountancy and the working environment at Grant Thornton.
• It gives you practical exposure to real work rather than a purely observational experience.
• It helps you build confidence and professional skills early.
• It provides a chance to develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities through interactive activities.
• It allows you to begin networking with people across the business.
• Strong performance during the programme could lead to a fast-track opportunity onto one of the firm’s school leaver programmes.

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton describes itself as a firm that takes a different approach, with a focus on future growth, positive change, and delivering audit, tax, and advisory services through strategic insight, curiosity, and strong client partnership. The organisation says it supports its people with opportunity, an inclusive environment, and a healthy balance between work and life. It also highlights its scale in the UK and internationally, and its ambition to continue developing and improving the profession.

The firm places strong emphasis on inclusion and on creating an environment where people can thrive. It says it values individuality and believes that the qualities that make people different can help everyone perform at their best.

How to apply

The application process is described as straightforward. You begin by completing a short application form. After that, you complete an online assessment that usually takes less than five minutes. The next stage is a written case study, which is intended to give you a better sense of the type of work carried out at Grant Thornton. The company also points applicants to its Employability Hub for advice on how to prepare and what the firm looks for at each stage.

Applicants are encouraged to apply if they are ready to take the first step toward a future career with Grant Thornton. The firm also invites interested students to join its talent community to receive updates when future applications open, along with advice and guidance by email.

Inclusion and culture

Grant Thornton highlights its inclusive culture and notes several external recognitions and commitments related to equality, family-friendly working, disability inclusion, LGBTQ+ inclusion, ethnic diversity, Muslim employee networks, menopause support, women in finance, and responsible business. These references are presented as part of the firm’s wider commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive workplace.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

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