Ben Newton, a former apprentice at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a partner at the age of 30, earning an average of $1.2 million (£1 million) annually. What makes this achievement even more significant is that Newton never attended university.

What Happened: Newton, who hails from Dorset, England, joined Deloitte’s Brightstart apprentice scheme for school leavers 12 years ago. His promotion was initiated to diversify Deloitte’s hiring pool and offer an alternative route into the workforce, reported The Sunday Times.

Newton, who is now a qualified accountant and working as an auditor, chose to join the Brightstart scheme over pursuing a degree in mathematics at Warwick University. His success highlights the potential of offering opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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Research by Deloitte’s competitors, such as KPMG International Ltd., has shown that an individual’s socio-economic background can be a significant barrier to career advancement, even more so than gender or ethnicity.

This has prompted a broader discussion about the importance of diversifying the talent pool and providing opportunities for those who may not have considered university as their primary path to a successful career.

Why It Matters: The success of the Brightstart apprentice scheme at Deloitte is a notable example of how companies are rethinking traditional hiring practices to attract talent from diverse backgrounds.

This approach aligns with broader trends in the job market, where tech companies are in high demand amongst job seekers, and the U.S. labor market is experiencing exceptional growth.

Newton’s journey from apprentice to partner is a testament to the potential of non-traditional career paths.

As companies continue to prioritize diversity and inclusivity, programs like Brightstart could serve as a model for creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: Deloitte Northern Ireland