Science: Unlocking Potential
Dr Caroline Oprandi Keeping you up to date with science and technology at PACA
I had to share this information from BBC news with you since it is something I alluded too in a previous column and it’s rather nice to think that Pricewaterhouse Coopers (rated by the Sunday Times for the past 12 years as the top graduate employer) are actually doing something about it!!
PwC are one of the UK’s largest graduate employers and they are going to stop using A-level grades as a way of selecting graduate recruits. Until now, the firm has not considered any applicants who failed to reach a defined threshold of A-level grades. However, PwC said that using the grades to filter candidates could disadvantage those from poorer backgrounds and this change in their policy could “drive radical changes” in social mobility and diversity.
Richard Irwin, PwC’s head of student recruitment, said: “We want to target bright, talented people and extend our career opportunities to untapped talent in wider pockets of society. 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, board member and head of people at PwC, said: “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.”
Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, 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.”
This really is fantastic news, which kind of makes up for the announcement that Boris Johnson’s brother, who apparently knows nothing about science, has just been appointed Minister for Universities and Science!?!
