Some 5,877 applications were received for 209 places to start in Spring, meaning approximately 30 people applied for each vacancy. This amounts to a 446% increase in applications to the Spring entry on 2009 applications, and a 192% increase on last year.
Although the majority graduated last year, a third of this intake graduated in 2008 and 2009, demonstrating how even some of the best of those who graduated mid recession are only now entering the employment market.
Richard Irwin, PwC Head of Student Recruitment, said:"PwC is committed to recruiting graduate talent with a diverse range of experience, and the firm's Spring intake provides a compelling opportunity for students who don't want to wait until September to commence their careers.
"Only a quarter of the new Spring trainees studied accounting, banking and finance degrees, while over a quarter studied science and engineering. This is just one aspect of the kind of diversity we value in our graduate recruits."
The shifting post-recession job market is forcing new graduates to make difficult choices. A considerable 31% of new trainees are over 25 while 4% are over 30, suggesting professional services is a popular choice for career changers, also possibly due to a squeeze in other industries. Applications are now open to join the firm in September 2011 and April 2012.
