Graduates without a 2:1 degree can now apply for a training placement with a professional services firm after it developed an assessment test to prioritise skills over qualifications.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) takes on more than 1,000 students on its graduate scheme every year, and usually requires candidates to achieve 300-340 UCAS points or a 2:1 degree.
Those without this level of academic achievement can now apply through PwC's "Inspired Talent" access route, which sets online tests to assess judgement skills, numeracy and "intellectual capability".
University leavers must also put together a business case demonstrating their commercial acumen, drive, entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, which will enable PwC to consider their abilities "in the moment, rather than relying on historical academic performance".
"With the proliferation of students gaining higher qualifications, you can't just continue all the time to raise that bar as the test," said Sonja Stockton, head of recruitment at PwC.
Successful Inspired Talent candidates will then join PwC's main recruitment process. Graduates with the required qualification can continue to apply for a place on the scheme through the traditional route.
