Accountancy firm BDO is on track to provide work experience and career insight opportunities to more than 8,200 young people in the UK this year, as part of its commitment to improving access to the profession. BDO’s Young Minds: The Unequal Advantage Report found that encounters with employers and work experience opportunities play a significant role in shaping young people’s career aspirations. Its research found that two-fifths (42%) of 18 to 25-year-olds believe they can only access their chosen career if they have relevant work experience. Earlier this year, the firm launched a three-year modernised work experience partnership with Connectr Early Engagement. Their ‘Bridge to BDO’ and ‘Discover Finance’ programmes reached almost 800 school students across years 9 to 13.