TC Group


The journey from apprentice to future leader


Apprenticeships are often seen as the fi rst step. A foot in the door at the beginning of a career. A way in, rather than the way forward. But at TC Group, they are something much more intentional. Apprenticeships are championed as a long-term investment in developing people and providing a launchpad for future leaders. Ten years ago, TC Group’s Northampton offi ce launched its


very fi rst Apprentice Academy. T e ambition wasn’t to simply attract emerging talent, but to build meaningful career pathways from within. Pathways determined by the individual, rather than imposed through a top-down model. A decade on, that vision is being realised across TC’s offi ces in


Northampton, Milton Keynes, Leicester and Southampton, with one standout example being Northampton-based Senior Manager, Matt Pickard. A member of the academy’s inaugural cohort, Matt’s now successfully progressing along a clearly defi ned pathway towards becoming a director. His personal experience demonstrates what is possible when


apprenticeships are aligned with progression, purpose and sustained support. Rather than being limited to a qualifi cation or short-term placement, his career has been shaped by structured development, meaningful responsibility and consistent mentorship from senior colleagues, all underpinned by a culture that genuinely believes in growing its own talent.


Beyond the basics of the traditional apprenticeship From the outset, TC set out to do things diff erently. T e Apprentice Academy wasn’t designed as a carbon copy of existing schemes, but as a future-focused commitment in the business. Emma Jones, Partner and Head of Audit, played a central role


in shaping that original vision. She saw apprenticeships as a way of building a pipeline of confi dent, capable professionals who understand the organisation from the ground up - its values, clients and people. Matt’s own journey began far from any corporate boardroom,


and like many young people, his early career ambitions were broad. Having played for Milton Keynes Dons and Luton Town, becoming


a professional footballer was always Matt’s dream but while football captured his imagination, he remained realistic about his future. After completing his GCSEs, he stayed on to study A levels in Business Studies, IT and Finance. Although he applied to university and received an unconditional off er, an apprenticeship in professional services and accountancy ultimately felt like the right path. “I knew I wanted to become an accountant,” said Matt, “and the


apprenticeship route just made sense. You still needed to complete your professional exams, but you gained real work experience, earned a salary, and avoided student debt at the same time.” Matt joined the business in August 2016 as an Audit Assistant,


becoming the fi rst intake of the Apprentice Academy when the fi rm was trading as Haines Watts. Early exposure set the tone from day one. After induction, he spent time in the Kettering offi ce learning the fundamentals of accounts preparation before heading out on his fi rst audit site visit.


Matt Pickard, centre, with Stephen Watts and Emma Jones


ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 24


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