GWA Apprenticeships – National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Each year we proudly support National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2026), celebrated in February. As part of this year’s activities, we spoke with Richard Ayre and Roseanne Bennett, both Partners and training leads at Greaves West & Ayre, about the vital role apprenticeships play in developing our people.
We currently have four Apprentices working towards their AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification, three Apprentices progressing through the ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) programme, and three Apprentices studying for the ICAEW ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) qualification.
Altogether, Apprentices make up around 10% of our workforce which is a clear reflection of how deeply we value training, development, and investing in the next generation of talent. Apprenticeships aren’t just part of our business; they help shape our future.
Richard and Roseanne explained:
“At Greaves West & Ayre, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our Apprenticeship training programme. This includes supporting existing colleagues who want to progress their professional development, as well as welcoming new recruits as the firm continues to grow.
Our Apprentices benefit from a blend of college-based or live online learning alongside practical experience within our Accounts and Tax Departments. Working in small, mixed-ability teams means they receive hands‑on training, coaching, and high quality supervision from experienced colleagues. This collaborative environment ensures they develop both the technical knowledge and the softer skills needed to thrive. Through continuous mentoring and behavioural training, our Apprentices build confidence and gain the tools required to deliver excellent client service.
By exposing our Apprentices to a broad range of work and real-world experience, we help shape well‑rounded professionals who are ready to advance their careers and work towards Chartered status. Investing in our Apprenticeship programme is essential to the future of Greaves West & Ayre.”
L-R: Mitchell Tait, Katie Simmonds, Lucy Chalmers, Amelia Manners, Tyla Spouse
Apprentices shared their experience:
“The courses we complete work hand in hand with the training we receive from our mentors at Greaves West & Ayre. In-house, we learn how to prepare accounts and tax preparations to the GWA standard, ensuring we deliver the professional standard our clients expect. Off‑site training offers a different perspective and a deeper understanding of tax and accounting. Each session tests your knowledge through practical scenarios and assessments, helping you build confidence as you progress.
Most of the external training takes place in Newcastle, giving us the chance to meet and connect with other apprentices. You can choose to attend sessions in person or join live online — whichever learning style suits you best.”
You can read more about our apprenticeship opportunities here or get in touch with us to find out more.
