Investing in the future generation

At PKF Francis Clark, creating opportunities for young people is more than simply the right thing to do. It is an investment in the future of our profession, our communities and our region. 

Over the past few weeks, colleagues from across the firm have welcomed Year 10 students into our offices for our annual Insight Programme. Designed to give students an authentic insight into life in professional services, the programme combined interactive workshops, practical activities and conversations with colleagues from across the firm. This helps students understand the breadth of careers available across accountancy, tax, audit and business advisory.

From learning how an audit works and tackling real tax challenges, to exploring personal branding, communication styles and career pathways, students experienced first-hand what a career at PKF Francis Clark can look like.

More than work experience

For many young people, programmes like this provide their first meaningful interaction with an employer. These experiences can have a lasting impact by broadening aspirations, building confidence and challenging stereotypes about different careers.

They also play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about education, training and future career pathways.

Helping tackle the profession’s talent challenge

The accountancy profession is changing rapidly, and so is the way we attract future talent. Many young people simply do not know what accountants do. Nor do they realise the breadth of opportunities available across accountancy, tax, audit and business advisory. By engaging with students earlier, we can build awareness of the profession and what it entails. We can encourage a more diverse range of young people to consider careers they may never have previously explored.

As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the world of work, skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem-solving are becoming increasingly important. These are exactly the skills our Insight Programme is designed to encourage and develop.

Living our B Corp values

As a certified B Corp, we are committed to using business as a force for good. That means looking beyond the services we provide to clients and considering the positive impact we can have on people, communities and future generations.

Our Insight Programme reflects that commitment by helping to improve awareness of professional careers, support social mobility, inspire young people regardless of background, showcase different routes into the profession and invest in the long-term prosperity of the South West. This is not simply about recruitment. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence and helping young people make informed decisions about their future.

Powered by our people

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year’s programme has been seeing colleagues from across the firm get involved. Whether delivering sessions, sharing career journeys, facilitating activities or answering questions in Q&A sessions, our people demonstrated what makes PKF Francis Clark special: a genuine willingness to invest in others.

Students gained practical insight into our profession, but they also met people with different backgrounds, experiences and career paths, helping them see that there is no single route into professional services.

Looking ahead

Greater collaboration between education and employers will be essential in preparing young people for the changing world of work. As a B Corp, we believe our responsibility extends beyond today’s clients. It includes supporting tomorrow’s workforce, strengthening our communities and helping ensure talented young people can see a future for themselves in professions they may never have previously considered.

As we look ahead, programmes like this will remain an important part of how we support our communities, widen access to professional careers and inspire the next generation of talent across the South West.