Grant Thornton Ignite Work Experience August 2026 – Liverpool

Grant Thornton Ignite Work Experience August 2026 – Liverpool Overview

Ignite is a short, immersive work experience programme that gives students a first-hand look at life in accountancy at Grant Thornton. Over four days, participants get the chance to step into the firm’s world, work on genuine projects, meet employees, and understand what a future career in the profession could look like. The programme is designed to be practical, engaging, and focused on helping students explore whether a school leaver route into accountancy is the right next step after finishing school.

This opportunity is aimed at Year 12 and Year 13 students in September 2026 who are curious about accountancy and business and want to learn more about the sector. It is particularly suitable for those who are considering starting their career through a school leaver programme after their studies. Students who show strong performance during Ignite may be able to move forward more quickly into one of the firm’s school leaver programmes, giving them an early route into their future career.

What you will do

• Spend four days gaining an introduction to the accountancy profession through a structured work experience programme.
• Work alongside Audit teams on real tasks to see how professional services operate in practice.
• Take part in development sessions that are designed to build confidence and improve workplace skills.
• Join interactive group activities that help strengthen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Meet people from across Grant Thornton and start building your professional network early.
• Learn how businesses function and discover the range of career opportunities available within the firm and the wider industry.
• Complete the full programme in person, as attendance for every day is required.

Who the programme is for

• Students in Year 12 or Year 13 as of September 2026.
• Applicants who are interested in accountancy, business, and the possibility of a school leaver career path.
• People who are enthusiastic, inquisitive, and ready to learn.
• Candidates who do not need prior work experience to apply.
• Students who can travel to the Liverpool office and attend on site for the entire programme.
• Those who are thinking seriously about starting their professional journey straight from school and want real responsibility, learning, and development.

Programme details

• Dates: Monday 17 August to Thursday 20 August 2026.
• Location: Liverpool office.
• Working style: in person only.
• Applicants should make sure the office they choose is within a sensible commuting distance from home.
• This is a fixed-term, full-time work experience placement.

Why join

• Gain a genuine feel for what it is like to work in accounting and audit.
• Build confidence through structured learning and practical experience.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.
• Meet colleagues and begin forming connections across the business.
• Explore how organisations operate and where a career in accountancy could take you.
• Potentially secure a faster route into a school leaver programme if you stand out during the experience.

How to apply

The application process is straightforward. You begin by completing a short application form. After that, you will be asked to 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 understanding of the kind of work carried out at Grant Thornton. The firm also points applicants to its Employability Hub for guidance on what it looks for and how to prepare for each stage of the process.

Culture and values

Grant Thornton describes its culture as inclusive and supportive, with an emphasis on helping people thrive. The firm says it values the qualities that make people different and believes those differences help everyone perform at their best. It looks for people whose approach matches its values: being driven with purpose, staying actively curious, and being candid while remaining kind.

Additional information

The role is based in Liverpool and is part of the firm’s early careers offering. The page also highlights Grant Thornton’s wider commitment to inclusion and lists recognition and memberships connected to LGBTQ+ inclusion, working families, employee representation, disability confidence, and other workplace inclusion initiatives.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

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