RSM apprentice makes her mark in professional services

An East London teenager who chose to work and earn through an apprenticeship scheme at leading accountancy firm RSM has been awarded East London’s apprentice of the year.

Agnes Thiong’o started her career as a care worker before joining RSM as a technology and management consulting analyst. The award was issued by apprenticeship scheme Leadership Through Sport and Business (LTSB) who offer work experience to young people who face disadvantages, and further training and employment to those who shine.

RSM has been a partner of LTSB since 2013 through hosting and volunteering opportunities, and since 2014 hired 35 young people through the scheme in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Agnes saw off competition from 19 other apprentices and received the award at her virtual graduation ceremony on 26th May, having joined the scheme in 2018.

Commenting on her win, Agnes Thiong’o said: 

‘This award came as a complete surprise, but I’m delighted. Too many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds become defined by what they’re doing out of necessity, LTSB gave me wings to realise what I was capable of as well as the practical help and access to the professional services industry. This opportunity means so much to me to and all the other young people on the scheme.’

Victoria Kirkhope, people partner at RSM, said: 

‘The LTSB scheme is about helping young adults who otherwise may not have come to us through traditional application routes, reach their potential. RSM is proud of our long-standing relationship with LTSB and to be in a position to support apprentices, we couldn’t be more pleased to have Agnes as part of our team.’