Graduate apprentice and ICAS student Millie McKenzie is gaining valuable, hands‑on finance experience at Baxters Food Group’s Highland headquarters.
Her journey reflects the organisation’s commitment to developing local talent, with European Head of Business Performance Laine Herd describing how Baxters addressed the challenge of recruiting a graduate apprentice from the area by working closely with Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Both grew up in Moray in north-east Scotland, both chose to study accountancy at RGU, and both now work at the company that has been a fixture of the area for more than 150 years.
The challenge
The challenge was to recruit a graduate apprentice locally, an idea that grew out of Herd’s connections with RGU. As European Head of Business Performance at Baxters, she saw this as an opportunity not only to strengthen the finance team but also to create a pathway for new talent. Bringing young people from the local area into the business was a key part of that ambition, reflecting her strong commitment to retaining and developing local talent.
“I thought it was worth exploring as a way of bringing new people into the finance team, and ideally that would include young people from the area. I’m passionate about retaining local talent” she says.
The solution
They advertised for an office junior through multiple channels, making it clear that further study was encouraged and received a high volume of applications. Millie’s CV stood out early. She expressed a clear interest in continuing her education, so they discussed the available options and she decided to follow the ICAS route.
A straightforward and speedy process
To start the journey, Baxters had to become an Authorised Training Office (ATO), enabling them to train Chartered Accountants. The process was straightforward, allowing them to make the move quickly.
So how did Herd find the process? “At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by what the process would be like, but RGU and ICAS made everything really straightforward and I was very impressed by the speed,” she says.
Millie’s thoughts
“My advice for anyone considering the graduate apprenticeship route with ICAS is that, if it feels right, go for it. It requires a lot of work and dedication, but it’s so worthwhile in terms of gaining the experience and the qualification at the same time.”
The open, collaborative culture at Baxters also means McKenzie can get a feel for the way she would like to shape her career.
“For now, I’m just looking to understand everything and see what I like,” she says. “But I’m interested in management accounting in terms of leadership, analysis and decision‑making.
After six months, Millie's efficiency and confidence with weekly tasks have improved. A particular focus of hers has been developing an understanding of the profit and loss account. This includes how costs and revenue are generated and how areas such as the factory and supply chain contribute to overall performance.
Why ICAS and the CA qualification are the right ingredients
- Becoming an ATO with ICAS is simple and professional. You’ll have guidance at every step.
- Your trainees will benefit from flexible and well-organised learning that fits around your business needs.
- You’ll embed ethical leadership into your firm, building trust with clients and confidence in your team.
- From onboarding to ongoing queries, you’ll have access to caring expert help whenever you need it.
- By offering the ICAS CA qualification you’ll attract ambitious professionals and keep them engaged, shaping the next generation of business advisors.
