A BANBURY teenager is the first school leaver to join Oxfordshire accountancy firm Whitley Stimpson’s higher-apprentice scheme.

Luke Clives, 18, who left North Oxfordshire Academy with four A levels, said: “I thought long and hard about this and decided I would rather take this professional course than go to university.

“I think it is a practical way to gain qualifications.”

The course, backed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, offers a qualification in assurance and audit or tax matters.

Luke will work at Whitley Stimpson’s Banbury branch.

The firm also has offices in Bicester and Witney.

Human resources manager Tracy Williams said: “Higher apprenticeships are ideal for young people with A levels at UCAS 300 points level and lead to the institute’s Certificate in Finance.”

And newly-qualified electrician Seb Hickey from Southmoor has been chosen as a finalist for training provider JTL’s southern region apprentice of the year awards.

Selected from 6,000 apprentices around the country, Mr Hickey is now in the running to be one of six regional winners who will go through to national awards in London next spring.

He studied one day a week at JTL’s Oxford training centre, while employed by Bicester-based electrical contractors Smy.

JTL commercial director Liam Sammon said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our young learners.

“Special congratulations must go to Seb, who is now in the running to become one of our regional apprentices of the year.”