By Isabella Colletta


PwC has taken on over 1,300 new graduates and school leavers over September and October despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

As one of the largest student employers in the UK, PwC also successfully welcomed 243 new student hires since lockdown began in March, using mostly virtual programmes. The firm has also hired over 500 experienced recruits throughout the lockdown period.

PwC’s director of student recruitment Louise Farrar explained that the company were keen to honour job and graduate place offers, and as a result the recruitment team came up with new ways to communicate with students and welcome them to their teams. She said: “The students we welcomed in the Spring were grateful for the job security, and they did themselves proud with their flexibility and adaptability. Of course, it’s difficult starting a new job virtually, and we all have to be more mindful of keeping in touch and checking in. That said, many of the students have reported back that being at home actually gave them a lot more time to do research and start their studies for their professional qualifications.

“As we’re encouraging more of our people across the business to venture back into our offices up and down the country, the majority of these graduates and school leavers will be having their first experience of office life following their virtual inductions. Making sure we have a safe, welcoming and collaborative environment will give the workforce of the future the best start to their working lives as they learn new skills in this new world."