Making the jump from high school to work is a huge step for any young person. Especially if you’re stepping into an apprenticeship working towards Chartered Accountancy status. To find out what it’s really like, we spoke to school leaver and Drummond Laurie CA trainee Charlie McKail about his experiences.
Charlie joined Drummond Laurie Chartered Accountants in 2025, straight from high school. Having just completed his 6th year, he was keenly aware of the challenge that lay ahead: “I knew I was making a huge jump, going from high school straight into full-time work”, he admits. “But I knew I was starting my career with a supportive employer in Drummond Laurie. The firm really excels in that area.”
“There is always someone happy to help”, explains Charlie. “Through the school leaver route, you get support from people who are one or two stages ahead of you and can share their experiences and knowledge. I think that’s really valuable.”
Gaining valuable practical experience on the path to becoming a CA
Drummond Laurie provides two pathways into Chartered Accountancy for young people: as a post-graduate trainee or as a school leaver. For Charlie, the opportunity to join straight from school was the right fit.
“Joining a firm of Chartered Accountants was always my plan, but I had looked into the university route and decided that wasn’t for me”, he says. “I felt the school leaver pathway would help me gain valuable practical experience that university wouldn’t have offered.”
Charlie’s decision to apply to Drummond Laurie was influenced by the school leaver pathway and early interactions with team members. Their approach and attitude stood out: “Everyone I’ve met at Drummond Laurie throughout the process has been very friendly and welcoming. From the initial presentation at my school to the interviews, I was impressed.”
Real support for school leavers pursuing Chartered Accountancy status
Drummond Laurie was one of several firms Charlie applied to. But as he progressed through each application process, the differences in what each firm could offer shaped his decision: “One of the biggest influences was the level of support offered to trainees at Drummond Laurie. While completing your ICAS qualification, you are assigned a mentor who oversees your ICAS journey and offers ongoing support and guidance. That level of support wasn’t something I saw from other firms I interviewed with.”
Twelve months on from his decision to join Drummond Laurie as an ICAS trainee, Charlie has no regrets: “Drummond Laurie is a very sociable firm”, he says. “There are regular events and activities organised by the company outside of work. It’s proven to be a great way to get to know the team, and I feel like it’s really helped me settle in.”
Drummond Laurie: A firm that “invests in its trainees”
As he prepares to start his professional studies with ICAS, Charlie already feels like he has built a valuable foundation: “I joined a year ago with little knowledge about accountancy. Since then, I’ve gained a lot of understanding and confidence, and I’m looking forward to putting it into my ICAS studies and exams.”
When we ask him if he has any final thoughts, his response is immediate: “I’d recommend Drummond Laurie to school leavers, especially if you are looking to do an apprenticeship that leads to professional qualifications.”
“I’ve been welcomed by friendly staff and supported throughout”, he continues. “I’ve also witnessed firsthand how the firm invests in its trainees. The team really wants to ensure you have the support to succeed.”
Opportunities for school leavers in accountancy with Drummond Laurie
At Drummond Laurie, we strive to be an employer of choice for school leavers interested in accountancy. Nurturing young talent is part of what we do and supporting your development is our priority.
We offer pathways to Chartered Accountancy status with either the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for ambitious school leavers.
Drummond Laurie’s 2026 recruitment for school leavers will launch in September 2026. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X for updates or learn more about completing your professional accountancy qualifications with Drummond Laurie Chartered Accountants.