PwC sees a close to its graduate recruitment in 2011 as 1,200 graduates join the firm this week

Professional services firm PwC is taking on 1,200 graduates into its offices across the UK.

There were around 22,000 applications for all the graduate roles that start this September, which is double the number from last year, with a total of 33,000 applications for all internships and A-level programmes.

This years intake has seen the return of 223 interns which means that 18% of this autumns intake have completed an internship scheme with the firm, with 95% of interns offered full time training roles.

Richard Irwin of PwC and head of student recruitment said; "The high number conversions from internships into full time roles represents great return on investment for our firm, and supports our belief that as a business the earlier we work with students, the more successful our recruitment, and their experience will be."

"The recession and financial crisis marked a shift in attitudes towards understanding more about employability with students getting work experience earlier, rather than just relying on the degree on their CVs to get their foot in the door for a job.

"Those who start building their work experience portfolio early on have a much better chance of securing the role of their dreams, and not being left in the frustrating position of post-graduation unemployment. The massive increase in applications we've received this year shows that students are back in the game. They are realising that despite many saying otherwise, there are jobs out there with top notch training schemes and excellent prospects."

The graduate jobs will be across PwC’s tax, assurance, consulting, actuarial, legal, consulting and advisory practices. The graduate trainees will be provided with full training and involved in welcome activities which are designed to show the graduates the firms culture and provide them with an overview of it’s brand values. The graduates will also take part in volunteer projects across the UK to experience PwC’s community programme.

Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 15th September 2011