Leading with Ambition Work Experience 2026 - Preston

Leading with Ambition Work Experience 2026 - Preston

At MHA, we believe in more than just numbers, we believe in you. Our Leading with Ambition National Work Experience Programme is designed for Year 12 students looking for an immersive experience with a leading professional services firm. This programme is your chance to explore the diverse world of accountancy, including audit, tax, and accounts, and gain invaluable insights into the career paths that await you.

Later this year, some of our 2025 work experience students will be returning to MHA as apprentices, and this could be you!

What’s in it for you?

It’s more than just work experience. This five-day immersive experience will give you hands-on exposure to the world of accountancy and professional services. Here’s what you can expect:

• Shadow professionals across departments, including audit, tax, and accounts, to see what a career in these fields looks like.
• Work on group projects to develop teamwork, communication, and confidence.
• Get career insights on your chosen pathway.
• Take part in an employability session, where you’ll receive guidance on applications and selection processes for future roles.
• Discover MHA’s culture and values, and what it means to work in a firm that puts people first.
• Access national training resources, designed to help you build practical skills that set you apart.

By the end of the programme, you’ll receive a certificate and a digital badge, showcasing your experience and boosting your employability for apprenticeships, university applications, and future job opportunities. Furthermore, if you successfully complete the programme and decide to apply for our apprenticeship opportunities in the future, we will be able to fast track your application! (Subject to your performance during the programme and our apprenticeship eligibility criteria)

While this is an unpaid work experience opportunity, we want to make it accessible for you. That’s why we provide lunch throughout the week and reimburse travel costs to ensure you can fully engage in the experience.

Where does it take place?

This year's work experience opportunities will take place in the following UK offices:

• London
• Thames Valley (Maidenhead)
• Maidstone
• Milton Keynes
• Leicester
• Birmingham
• Peterborough
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Lancaster
• Preston
• Colchester

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for MHA’s Leading with Ambition work experience programme you must:

• Currently be a Year 12 student, studying towards A-Levels or equivalent,
• Be considering a career in professional services in the future,
• Obtain consent from school or college to undertake the work experience,
• Be prepared to complete an application form and if successful a short online interview

At MHA, we are committed to improving access to the accounting profession. Through our partnership with Access Accountancy, we have allocated spaces for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those who:

• Attend a state school or college
• Are (or have been) eligible for free school meals
• Would be the first in your immediate family to attend university

Applying

This programme is office-based, so be sure to apply to a location that is easy for you to commute to. Applications are now open and will close on 1st May 2026 (or earlier if spaces fill up quickly). We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.