PwC drops A Level requirements for graduates
One of the largest graduate employers in the UK, PwC, have announced they are no longer taking UCAS points into account as part of their graduate recruitment process.
PriceWaterhouseCooper, more commonly known as PwC, will no longer look at a graduate's achievements at A Level when considering them for a graduate position. The move was taken to allow graduates from a range of pre-university backgrounds whose academic history may not be flawless but have proven themselves at university and who have 'all-round capabilities.'
PwC's graduate scheme, which has been voted the best in the UK for 12 years running, received 25,573 applications last year. Despite receiving 17 applications for each role, PwC wants to widen the net for its intake. Head of Student Recruitment, Richard Irwin, said 'We want to target bright, talented people and extend our career opportunities to untapped talent in wider pockets of society.'
Speaking directly about the decision to not consider A Levels, Irwin said 'Our experience shows that whilst A-level assessment can indicate potential, for far too many students there are other factors that influence results. Competition and assessment for our graduate roles will be as tough as ever - but those that want to get on with a career in business can do so.'
Gaenor Bagley, Head of People at PwC, believes the change will be good for the future of PwC and diversity in the workplace. Bagley said 'As a progressive employer we recognise that talent and potential presents itself in different ways and at different stages in people's lives. Removing the UCAS criteria will create a fairer and more modern system in which students are selected on their own merit, irrespective of their background or where they are from.'
'By breaking down social barriers we will open the door to thousands of students who may have previously thought a graduate role with PwC was out of reach for them.'
Stephen Isherwood, of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, spoke highly of the unprecedented change for a professional services firm. Isherwood said 'Using a candidate's UCAS points to assess their potential is a blunt tool and a barrier to social mobility. This is an innovative step by one of the most significant graduate recruiters in the UK. Other graduate employers should follow their lead.'
By James Howell
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