No College Degree, Rs 10 Crore Salary: Story of an apprentice who became a Deloitte partner

• Ben Newton picked a Deloitte apprenticeship over university, earning an ACA.
• First BrightStart apprentice joins Deloitte's partnership at age 30.
• His story shows success can come from alternative paths, not just traditional education.

Did our AI summary help?

Ben Newton stood at a crossroads familiar to millions. He had a place at the prestigious University of Warwick, the expected next step on the traditional path to success. But he looked down that well-worn road and felt a quiet tug in a different direction.

Growing up in Dorset after moving from Germany, Ben was shaped by practical worlds. His father, a former soldier, instilled discipline. His mother, a travel agent, showed him how to connect with people. For Ben, the idea of learning by doing made more sense than learning by theory alone. He also saw the looming shadow of student debt and wondered if there was another way.

That other way was the Deloitte BrightStart apprenticeship. It wasn't a consolation prize; it was an active choice—a fast track into the real world of business. At 18, while friends left for campus life, Ben walked into the offices of one of the world's largest professional services firms. His classroom would be client meetings. His exams would be live projects. His degree would be a globally respected ACA qualification, earned debt-free while on the job.

For over a decade, Ben didn't just do his work; he absorbed it. He proved that hunger and capability are not measured by university certificates. He moved from tasks to responsibilities, from supporting to leading, driven by flexibility and a desire to make a direct impact. The apprenticeship program, designed to nurture talent from all backgrounds, gave him the platform; his own drive built the skyscraper.