2026 Explore BDO programme   
Location: London, Leeds and Birmingham 
Applications close: Monday 9th March  
 

A bit about us  

Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That’s BDO.  

Looking to explore your future career options? The Explore BDO Insight Programme is your opportunity to gain new skills, meet inspiring people, and take your first steps towards a meaningful career.  

Over two days, you’ll discover what a career in accounting could look like for you. You’ll hear from our brilliant people, take part in interactive sessions that bring our work to life, and get a feel for what it's like to be part of BDO. 

You’ll build your confidence, grow your network and show us what you’ve learnt. There’s even the potential to fast-track into the next stage of our hiring process for a School Leaver Programme. Just like our careers, this opportunity goes way beyond the ordinary.  

As for you  

You’re curious, motivated, and ready to explore your future. If you’re in Year 12 or 13, attend a UK state school, and meet our social mobility criteria, this programme could be for you. Eligible candidates should meet the following criteria: 

• Predicted three A-levels or equivalent at grades A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects). 

• Have GCSEs/Scottish Standards in Maths and English at grades 9-4 (or equivalent). 

• Hold the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas for this programme. 

To help us support those who need it most, we follow the Social Mobility Commission’s guidance. Eligible candidates may be considered if the main earner in their household works in: 

• Technical or craft work: motor mechanic, plumber, printer, gardener, train driver, electrician   

• Routine, semi-routine, manual, and service work: postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, sales assistant, HGV driver, cleaner, porter, packer, labourer   

• Long-term unemployed: claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance or earlier unemployment benefit for over a year  

Not sure if your background qualifies? Apply anyway – our team will confirm once they’ve reviewed your application.  

Where and When 

The first day of the programme will be virtual, with the final day taking place in the either the London, Birmingham or Leeds office on the following dates: 

Leeds- Tuesday 11th August (Teams) and Wednesday 12th August (in person) 

Birmingham- Tuesday 18th August (Teams) and Wednesday 19th August (in person) 

London- Tuesday 25th August (Teams) and Wednesday 26th August (in person) 

You must live within a commutable distance to the office you would like to apply for. We are also able to support with travel expenses. 

Is it for you?  

You don’t need any experience in business or accounting to take part; just curiosity and an interest in finding out more. This programme is designed to help you explore your options, build your confidence, and see if a career at BDO could be a good fit for you.  

How the application process will go  

Once you apply, you’ll complete an online test and a video interview. Don’t worry – we’ll send you tips and guidance to help you prepare.   

You’ll need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. If that’s a barrier, just let us know – we’re here to support you.  

We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share tips to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a real person.  

Before you go  

We’ve got 17 offices across the UK, but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team that cares. You’ll learn by doing, be supported by people who’ve been in your shoes, and build skills that actually matter. We’re serious about your well-being, flexible about how you work, and offer benefits that support you inside and outside of work.  

Big enough to open doors. Personal enough to walk through them with you.  

Go Beyond the Ordinary with BDO.  
Apply now.  

Our firm is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.