Supercharging progression with an EY apprenticeship

Ruairidh shares his story, from joining as a Tax Apprentice in 2017 to working on major deals in the Financial Services, Strategy and Transactions team.

Careers at EY are rarely linear, and Ruairidh’s journey is a great example of the diverse opportunities available across our student programmes. From joining as a Tax Apprentice in 2017 to now working on major deals in the Financial Services, Strategy and Transactions team, he has built a career that reflects his ambitions. We caught up with Ruairidh to hear about his experiences, biggest achievements, and advice for future apprentices.

My EY journey

I joined EY in September 2017 as a Tax Apprentice, working within the Global Compliance & Reporting team. During this time, I gained hands-on experience in UK corporation tax compliance and worked on Assurance engagements for clients in banking and Wealth & Asset Management.

Towards the end of my apprenticeship, I took on an opportunity which focused on stakeholder engagement, strategy, and programme delivery - very different from my role in Tax but an incredible opportunity to develop new skills.

I later transitioned to the EY Financial Services, Strategy and Transactions team, where I now support corporate and private equity clients on deals across the european market. I’ve really enjoyed the work and the supportive team culture since making the move last year.  

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I knew early on that I wanted to work in financial services, and after hearing about similar apprenticeship programmes from a family friend, I decided to apply to EY. The combination of gaining a professional qualification while kickstarting my career at a globally recognised business really appealed to me.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

Passing my final ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) exams and being admitted into membership was definitely my biggest achievement. I was proud to achieve first-time passes in all my exams, and attending the ICAS admission ceremony last year was a fantastic moment to celebrate with my cohort. The hard work and dedication to my studies were all worth it!

Did you complete a qualification?

Yes, I completed the ICAS chartered accountancy qualification, which is internationally recognised and equivalent to a Master’s degree. It provided me with a strong foundation in business and opened up a lot of career opportunities. At EY, we studied through block release, giving us dedicated time for classes and exams, alongside continuous technical training that still supports my development today.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

I’d encourage anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to go for it! Take the time to research different programmes, attend insight events, and speak to current or former apprentices. It’s a fantastic way to gain real-world experience, earn a qualification, and build a strong foundation for your career.

Discover where a career in tax could take you and apply now.