The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has officially inducted 760 newly qualified chartered accountants during its annual Admission Ceremony in Edinburgh.

For the first time, the class included students to complete the ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification via the Robert Gordon University (RGU) Graduate Apprenticeship programme.

This work-based learning route, funded by the Scottish Government, allows students to earn an honours degree from RGU in Aberdeen while simultaneously working towards their CA qualification.

Facilitated by Aberdeen’s RGU, the scheme is designed to offer a blend of practical industry experience and academic study to aspiring accountants in Scotland.

ICAS learning executive director Gail Boag said: “Welcoming the first RGU graduate apprentices as qualified CAs this year is a proud moment for ICAS. Their admission, alongside 760 peers, reaffirms the strength of the CA qualification and highlights ICAS’ appeal to a new generation of jobseekers and employers alike. 

“The RGU Graduate Apprenticeship scheme represents just one of the range of accessible pathways into ICAS training, and through these various routes, we look forward to supporting even more talent to emerge as the ethical business leaders of the future.”

Earlier in 2025, ICAS issued a call to the UK government to uphold its pledge on audit and corporate governance reform. The Institute emphasised the critical nature of these reforms for ensuring corporate accountability.

This appeal is particularly timely, given the recent indications that UK ministers are considering delaying the Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill, which was initially announced in the King’s Speech in July.

The potential postponement of the bill, which follows the recommendations of the Kingman, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and Brydon reports, has raised concerns within ICAS.