A Cumbrian accountancy firm has enlisted 17 new apprentices as part of its ongoing learning programme.

Saint & Co provides a variety of apprenticeship programmes across four office bases in Cumbria.

They are designed to support individuals wanting to start or develop their careers in the accounting industry.

This year, the company expanded its annual apprenticeship programme, providing more learning opportunities to a larger range of apprentices.

Among the new additions are Rachel Simpson and Anna Campbell, both based in Whitehaven and Millom office bases.

They will be studying towards their Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications.

In Cumbria: Saint & Co provides a variety of apprenticeship programmes across four office bases in Cumbria

Ms Simpson, who has been with the company for 15 years, said: "I feel very fortunate to have the great support of the company which has helped find ways of introducing me to new parts of the business I’ve not been involved in before, and I’m excited to be working towards my ACCA qualification."

The majority of new apprenticeships are offered at Saint & Co's Carlisle office, with additional placements in Ambleside, Wigton, Whitehaven, and Millom.

The student training partner at Saint & Co, Sophie Graham, oversees the programme and believes strongly in the benefits of apprenticeships.

She said: "Working with apprentices is very important to us as a company and we want to ensure that we offer wider career pathways for all, and not potentially miss out on somebody who doesn’t go down the more traditional route of a university degree.

"We often find apprentices bring a fresh perspective on things and make sure we are moving with the times, and the company is certainly feeling the benefits of working with so many apprentices."

The company's apprenticeship programme is open to adults of any age and experience.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by sending a CV and cover letter to Sophie Graham at sophie.graham@saint.co.uk.