What is the structure of the JC Futures apprenticeship?
The first year of the programme across all business lines focuses on settling into work with first qualifications attained in AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping or an appropriate alternative, depending on entry qualifications. Towards the end of the first year, the final professional qualification will be determined. This is likely to be a graduate apprenticeship that integrates an honours degree and professional qualification with ICAS or ACCA. Some students may choose to take a direct pathway with the professional qualification over five years.
What is the induction process like for new apprentices?
During the first week, there is an overnight induction run by our Early Careers team which focuses on teambuilding and on-the-job training. You will receive support and training from your business line and have a buddy who will help you with any questions at all in those early days. You will get the chance to meet other colleagues and start to understand the basic tasks involved in your role.
How long is the apprenticeship program?
4-6 years, depending on which route, e.g. ICAS/ACCA or graduate apprenticeship (GA).
What is the start date for the apprenticeship?
24 August 2026.
Is there a guaranteed job at the end of the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship is offered as a permanent contract, with a view to individuals growing within the firm once qualified.
What support will I receive while studying for my qualification?
Study leave, peer group support, e.g. others in the firm that have done/are doing the same qualification as you, learning materials and classes. For AAT, you will receive online materials and textbooks, with access to tutor support throughout. You will receive mock exams and feedback from tutors in preparation for the final examination. Qualifications such as the GA and ICAS offer a combination of tutor-led online and in-person learning, including webinars, workshops, lectures and videos. ACCA is mostly online learning and includes on-demand tuition from Applied Skills onwards. Some revision courses and materials are available for later levels in the qualifications. You also have access to the student wellbeing hubs at the professional qualification and tuition provider, as well as the in-house JC provision.
What development opportunities will be available to me?
Soft skills programme which runs side by side as part of our JC Futures apprenticeship programme, JC Aspire programme, which has lots of courses on our online Learn platform available, such as communication skills, office etiquette, etc.
What opportunities are available to work in other business lines during the program?
Secondments are dependent on business need. We have had secondments from Audit into Tax during the programme during Tax busy periods.
What kind of tasks will I be doing as an apprentice?
Your colleagues and line managers are experts at ensuring you are given tasks that match your experience and ability at the appropriate time. In the first few weeks, you will be mastering the basic tasks of your role. These introductory processes are very important to assist in increasing your understanding and experience, laying a foundation of knowledge with which to build up your more advanced skills.
In Audit, you will be helping ensure a client’s accounts reflect the actual performance and activities carried out during the year. Typical tasks for a new start include checking the balance of the bank on the client accounts and matching this to their bank statements, understanding why any differences have occurred. You may be looking at sales invoices and making sure these correspond to the correct reporting period.
In Business Advisory, you may be posting invoices to the accounting records for our clients and making sure the reports are kept accurate and up to date. You may get involved in maintaining the VAT records and preparing the return for the clients.
What does a typical day look like for an apprentice?
Most recent apprentices will typically work in the office for the first 6 months to ensure that they have the support of colleagues on hand. You will be given tasks and guidance by your team, which you should complete in an agreed timeframe. These tasks will be part of a larger job that other members of your team will complete, and you will contribute to. Often, there will be some email correspondence to catch up on as well.
Our apprentices in some offices will take the opportunity to eat lunch together and have a social catch-up during breaks.
As you gain experience, you will become more responsible for managing your own time and priorities. You will have specific deadlines for client work and reviewing other tasks completed by your colleagues. There will also be time spent on building up relationships with clients by visiting them on site or speaking to them on the phone.
What is the difference between the apprenticeship route and a university degree in accounting?
Once individuals come out with degrees such as an undergraduate in accounting, etc, they then go on to do professional qualifications, e.g. ICAS/ACCA, so effectively this programme would mean you achieve these qualifications and potentially gain a degree with the GA route.
The advantage of the apprenticeship route is that it can be quicker, taking about 6 years in total, rather than the seven years of a traditional 4-year degree + 3-year professional qualification on a graduate programme.
A traditional degree is focused on theory and demonstration of accountancy, where you work on theoretical case studies. In an apprenticeship, you are working on real client projects from day one. This allows you to apply your learning directly in the real world.
You gain significant commercial experience over the apprenticeship, as well as establish a professional and peer network. Many of your colleagues will be on a similar path to you, and you may become close friends.
There are many opportunities to get involved in social activities within the office, whether that’s sport, office meetups or charity fundraising.
You earn while you learn on an apprenticeship.
How do AI and technology impact the work environment?
It’s an exciting time to become an accountant as AI is transforming what we do. Repetitive, manual tasks can be automated, allowing your time to be spent on analysing the financial data and giving high-quality insights to clients. In JC, we are eager to embrace all the potential benefits of AI. We have already incorporated several features into our services, such as audit, and we have a dedicated working group looking at further potential gains that will work across the firm.
What is the company culture like at JC?
Young workforce, a large percentage (25%, c 300) of our workforce is Early Careers, regular social committee events/things to get involved in.
How does hybrid working work at JC?
First 6 months (initial training period) in the office. Thereafter, there will be a mix of office/client site. However, hybrid working can be accommodated.
How does JC support work-life balance for apprentices?
We are signed up to the mindful business charter, a framework that encourages us to be mindful of each other, which incorporates structure to help in balancing work and studies, including study leave.
What is the starting salary for apprentices?
£24,750 per annum.
How does salary progression work after the apprenticeship?
Salaries after qualification are usually 1.5 to 2x the starting salary. Post qualification, salaries are determined by your performance, the services that you provide your clients and how you contribute across the firm.
What benefits are offered to apprentices?
Health care cash plan, employee assistance programme, online platform with rewards and discounts, holiday purchase scheme, and social committee events.
How does annual leave work?
35 days annual leave, including bank holidays/office shutdown at Christmas.
What are the entry requirements for the apprenticeship?
4 B’s at Higher and National 5 Maths and English at C (or equivalent).
How many apprenticeship positions are available?
8 across Scotland.
What are the next steps in the application process?
If successful, the second step will be completing a video screening and following this an in-person interview.
What career progression opportunities exist after completing the apprenticeship?
You would have the same progression opportunities as our graduates. We have two windows each year for promotions in June and December.
How does JC see trainees progressing over the course of the apprenticeship?
Throughout your training period with us, there will be opportunities to learn in client work and in the classroom. As you progress in your apprenticeship, you will be working on new tasks and learning the finer details of the role. Over time, you will be taking on more responsibilities for the client projects you are working on, whilst building up a working relationship with the clients concerned. Your line manager and team will ensure that there are always tasks to stretch you whilst providing the right amount of support to help you succeed.
You will meet regularly with your line manager, and you will be able to explore all the opportunities that JC has to offer. This could be a sector specialism, e.g. Financial Services or helping deliver training to other colleagues in the firm. With so many services, locations and specialisms on offer, JC has many opportunities that can sustain an interesting lifelong career.
What is the exam structure for the apprenticeship?
AAT in bookkeeping for year 1, followed by ICAS or ACCA or a Graduate apprenticeship route with Glasgow Caledonian University or Robert Gordon University.
When do exams start, and how are they managed alongside work?
You are provided with a training contract which gives a breakdown as to how we anticipate exams to be taken, you are provided with study leave to manage your on-the-job responsibilities with exams.
