Since the launch of Better Jobs, Better Futures in 2017, the relationship with Chartered Accountants, Bevan Buckland, has continued to go from strength to strength. The firm continually provide fantastic opportunities for our clients and learners and regularly offer insight sessions sharing expert advice and industry knowledge. Over the last 5 years, Bevan Buckland have also attended our annual Recruitment Fairs and taken advantage of guest speaker opportunities at our Futures Academy.

Gower College Swansea learners Daniel and Saliem secured roles on the prestigious Bevan Buckland Training Academy in 2021 and have continued to excel in their careers. Soon after, Saliem celebrated a ‘full circle moment’ whilst attending our 2022 Futures Recruitment Fair, representing Bevan Buckland as her employer. It was at the Recruitment Fair that Saliem met learners Lauren and Atlanta who would follow in her footsteps and join the Bevan Buckland Training Academy later in 2022.

Lauren and Atlanta were studying a BA in Business Management (Accounting & Finance) at Gower College Swansea and, keen to kickstart a career in finance, they accessed support from the Futures team. Dedicated Career Coaches supported the learners to identify suitable trainee accountant opportunities and made them aware of a forthcoming employer workshop being delivered by Vanessa Thomas-Parry, Chief Operating Officer at Bevan Buckland. As one of the biggest accountancy practices in South and West Wales, Lauren and Atlanta jumped at the opportunity to attend. Both girls were inspired by the culture and ethos of the organisation, as well as the range of opportunities for progression and development.

With the support of the team, Lauren and Atlanta submitted excellent applications for the Bevan Buckland Training Academy and were delighted to be offered full time positions. We recently caught-up with Lauren and Atlanta to see how they’ve been getting on.

Conor, Lauren, Atlanta and Courtney

“Futures made my job searching experience a smooth process. Whilst studying for my degree, they offered me support by giving me opportunities to visit the Recruitment Fair, attend career talks and offered advice on local accountancy firms. Additional support including CV and interview workshops expanded my knowledge and confidence when applying for jobs. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Bevan Buckland; the firm is very supportive of the continued study opportunities whilst gaining practical knowledge and I will be starting my ACA qualification in March.” – Atlanta

“I had a really good experience working with the Futures team and the employability sessions really boosted my confidence when applying for jobs. I am really enjoying myself at Bevan Buckland and I’ve settled in well. It is nice to be working within a sector I have studied for 5 years, and the support within Bevan Buckland to help with the step-up has been amazing, along with funding to continue my development into becoming fully qualified. I have taken my first steps to beginning my studies at Bevan Buckland and have signed up to begin my ACA qualification.” – Lauren

In addition to Daniel, Saliem, Lauren and Atlanta, Courtney and Conor accessed support at the Kingsway Employment Hub, looking to launch careers in the accountancy sector.

Courtney decided that she wanted to pursue a training role instead of continuing with education and received support from the team to explore opportunities relevant to her qualifications and career goals. Courtney was supported through the application processes for various accountancy positions and was delighted to secure a role with Bevan Buckland.

“My experience of working with Better Jobs, Better Futures has been very positive. I am really enjoying my time at Bevan Buckland; everyone has given me a lot of support and been so welcoming. I have recently completed my Level 3 Business administrative NVQ, and I am now studying towards a Payroll Technician Advanced course to broaden my payroll knowledge. I am very grateful to BJBF for all the help that they have given me.” – Courtney

When Conor approached the Better Jobs, Better Futures team, he was employed as a Senior Audit Administrator but looking to take the next step in his career into a finance role with opportunities for training and progression. Conor worked with his Career Coach to explore opportunities in the sector where he could utilise the skills developed in his current role. After updating his CV and submitting applications, Conor was invited to interview with Bevan Buckland and his Career Coach guided him through the process. Conor performed exceptionally well and was quickly offered a trainee role.

“Working with BJBF was a hugely positive experience; I was quickly assigned a coach who helped me organise my job search, gave me tips on CV writing and interviews and gave me the confidence I needed to find a job that was right for me. Since starting the role in October 2022, I have grown in my skill and practical knowledge, all thanks to the nurturing qualities exhibited by seniors at Bevan Buckland. I have also been able to progress in my studies during this time. This was an opportunity that I would not have thought possible without working with the BJBF team. I would recommend anyone who needs assistance in finding a role that is right for you, to give the team a call and see what they can do for you.” – Conor

We are extremely proud of the fantastic partnership that has developed with Bevan Buckland and look forward to continuing working together.

“It has been a pleasure working with Bevan Buckland over the last 5 years, supporting the business to recruit and retain the very best talent. I am delighted to see so many of our learners progress into fantastic opportunities, and I am confident that the relationship will continue to go from strength to strength as we support the Bevan Buckland team with the ongoing development of their workforce” – Cath Jenkins, Director of Employability, Gower College Swansea

“Our long-standing partnership and engagement with BJBF and the Futures Academy at Gower College Swansea helps ensure we can have genuine interactions that will give realistic and relevant insight into our workplace, sector, and the employability skills we want our future workforce to develop. By working closely with the team at BJBF, we can access potential recruits who are being supported by advisers who have industry specific knowledge and insight.

We have participated in lots of events facilitated by BJBF and Gower College Swansea such as recruitment and careers fairs, delivering employability sessions and giving sector specific career advice in a classroom setting for students.

As a local employer, we want to give a real and practical insight into the career opportunities we can offer at Bevan Buckland and support the next generation of potential young professionals to reach their potential.”  – Vanessa Thomas-Parry, Chief Operating Officer – Bevan Buckland LLP