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20/08/2012
PwC A Level Schemes Five Times Higher Since Start Of Recession
Interest in school leaver entry schemes at professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has risen to five times the levels experienced pre-recession, as school and college leavers consider a wider range of options after their A Level exams.
PwC received 2,352 applications for 100 school and college leaver vacancies in its assurance, tax and consulting practices, which start in autumn 2012, including the industry’s first Higher Apprenticeships in tax and consulting. This signals a 34% rise in applications year on year, and a 464% increase since 2008.
Increasing demand for A Level schemes is indicative of the increasing demand seen across all programmes. Amid news that 20,000 graduates are struggling to find paid jobs within six months of leaving university[1], graduate and intern placement interest also remains strong. Applications to the firm’s school leaver programmes represent 8% of the overall number of student and graduate entry applications, and the school leaver intake represents 6% of PwC’s overall student and graduate entry offering this year.
Gaenor Bagley, PwC partner and Head of People, said: "There's a generation of students weighing up their career and training options differently, whether because of university fees, economic forecasts or graduate unemployment, and employers have to adapt.
"The initial response to our new Higher Apprenticeship, a new addition to our existing school and college leaver programmes, has been even better than expected. Talented students who are clear about their career path won’t compromise on training and development, and this offers them a realistic alternative to get into business straight after A Levels. We have recruited over 500 school and college leavers over the past ten years and this new framework further cements our commitment to widening access to the professions, while creating a nationally recognised industry qualification.
"We're not seeing a wholesale shift away from graduate entry though. The interest and demand is a mix of genuine increased interest in new, quality training options with major employers, and also reflective of some students hedging their bets with university places. Overall, students are looking at their options in their teens, rather than waiting until their third year at university, and for an employer that's good news."
PwC received 2,352 applications for 100 school and college leaver vacancies in its assurance, tax and consulting practices, which start in autumn 2012, including the industry’s first Higher Apprenticeships in tax and consulting. This signals a 34% rise in applications year on year, and a 464% increase since 2008.
Increasing demand for A Level schemes is indicative of the increasing demand seen across all programmes. Amid news that 20,000 graduates are struggling to find paid jobs within six months of leaving university[1], graduate and intern placement interest also remains strong. Applications to the firm’s school leaver programmes represent 8% of the overall number of student and graduate entry applications, and the school leaver intake represents 6% of PwC’s overall student and graduate entry offering this year.
Gaenor Bagley, PwC partner and Head of People, said: "There's a generation of students weighing up their career and training options differently, whether because of university fees, economic forecasts or graduate unemployment, and employers have to adapt.
"The initial response to our new Higher Apprenticeship, a new addition to our existing school and college leaver programmes, has been even better than expected. Talented students who are clear about their career path won’t compromise on training and development, and this offers them a realistic alternative to get into business straight after A Levels. We have recruited over 500 school and college leavers over the past ten years and this new framework further cements our commitment to widening access to the professions, while creating a nationally recognised industry qualification.
"We're not seeing a wholesale shift away from graduate entry though. The interest and demand is a mix of genuine increased interest in new, quality training options with major employers, and also reflective of some students hedging their bets with university places. Overall, students are looking at their options in their teens, rather than waiting until their third year at university, and for an employer that's good news."
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12 March 2012
Details Of Major School Building Projects Announced
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that he already announced for 2012.
Details Of Major School Building Projects Announced
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that he already announced for 2012.
13 March 2015
Winner Of United Space School Competition Announced
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today announced the winner of the United Space School competition. At an event in the Armagh Planetarium, Amy Anderson from Southern Regional College's Armagh campus was selected for an intensive 2 week placement to the United Space School in Houston.
Winner Of United Space School Competition Announced
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today announced the winner of the United Space School competition. At an event in the Armagh Planetarium, Amy Anderson from Southern Regional College's Armagh campus was selected for an intensive 2 week placement to the United Space School in Houston.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
