Training scheme looks beyond academic performance

Mar 10 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE new graduate entry scheme launched by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will now target and assess candidate's capabilities beyond purely academic performance alone.

The PwC Inspired Talent scheme will work alongside the firm’s graduate recruitment programme and requirements, and will open training opportunities to a wider pool of recruits.

PwC says the scheme will challenge the assumption that exam results are the best predictor of suitable applicants and success in the workplace.

Instead, it will raise the bar for assessment on student entry, by examining an applicant’s all-round quality, through modified entry requirements and assessment.

Candidates will complete online tests and submit a business case to demonstrate their drive, resilience, entrepreneurialism and commercial acumen.

Online tests will assess their “intellectual capacity” – a vital prerequisite for those studying for professional qualifications at the firm.

Paul Woolston, senior partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers in Newcastle, said: “Business needs to recognise that talent and potential presents itself in different ways and at different stages in people’s lives. By widening access to PwC through Inspired Talent, we’re raising the bar for how we assess talent.”

Cathy Little, North East student hire leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers said: “It is getting harder for employers to distinguish between the mass of degree qualifications in the jobs market at the moment. By combining rigorous online assessments, with the opportunity for candidates to build a personal business case for their skills, we assess applicants ‘in the moment’, rather than relying on historical academic performance.

“People develop at different stages of academic life and those that demonstrate exceptional drive, capacity and entrepreneurial spirit can have great careers with us. We’ve no doubt that we will discover real gems.”