Formers graduates rise to the top - graduate jobs

Two graduates at the Birmingham office of accountants Ernst & Young have worked their way to the top at the company and have now been named as partners.

Audit partner Adrian Roberts and tax partner Steven Wasley both initially joined the company as graduate trainees.

Mr Roberts joined the Midlands audit team as a graduate in 1997, and has worked in the firm's Seattle office for 18 months and on secondment in industry.

He is now responsible for continuing to grow and develop the audit practice, with leadership duties for the company's Entrepreneur of the Year programme in the Midlands.

Meanwhile, international tax specialist Mr Wasley joined Ernst & Young as a graduate in 1998. He spent 14 months advising large US businesses on UK tax in New York.

He is expected to play a role in leading the growth of the Midlands tax practice.

Mr Roberts said: "Seeing two Ernst & Young graduates achieve partner is testament to the firm's commitment and industry-leading development programme, which nurtures an environment that brings out the best in its people."