Accountancy firm Deloitte has welcomed more than 70 people to its graduate, BrightStart apprenticeship and industrial placement programmes in Scotland.

The "big four" firm noted a further 18 people will join it in Scotland in December.

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Stephen Pratt, partner at Deloitte in Scotland, said: “At Deloitte, we’re proud to employ graduates, apprentices and those who started at the firm on a work placement. The positive impact they have on the business cannot be understated - they bring fresh approaches and new ideas to make a real difference for our clients and the firm.

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“We are committed to fostering an environment where junior professionals and those embarking on a new career path can thrive, develop their skills, learn from each other, and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. I’m very much looking forward to the contributions they will make as they begin their careers with us.”

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Ted Porter, a new starter in audit and assurance in Edinburgh who has joined Deloitte’s graduate scheme, said: “In school, I had a keen interest in both maths and the humanities, and so I chose to study economics at Edinburgh University.

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“Deloitte’s graduate programme was attractive because it will give me the opportunity to study towards a world-renowned qualification while also working with some of the most exciting businesses in the UK. Fortunately, I was successful in the application process and can’t wait to get started in the world of auditing.”