Thames Valley: Recruiters count work experience as more valuable than a degree
In recent months the spotlight has been on apprenticeship schemes with a number of large companies taking on or looking to take on apprentices. For example, John Lewis recently took on 80 apprentices and BMW announced plans to take on 150 this year. With National Careers Week running this week (March 4-8), employment firm Bucks and Berks Recruitment was interested to find out what local companies were looking for in potential employees – whether nowadays it is more about experience in a workplace over education requirements. Research that it commissioned found that nearly two thirds (63%) of local employees feel that work experience is more valuable than a degree.
Another recent study by Accenture revealed that nearly six in 10 managers say it is a challenge to take on workers with appropriate skills. This research also revealed that experience is highly sought after, with relevant work experience and industry relevant skills viewed as the most desirable items on any CV – and three times as important as a degree.
It would seem that above all, it’s good communication skills that matter, with local companies saying that what they are looking for good communications skills above anything else with almost all (97%) saying that it is what they look for the most.
Managing director John Hamilton said: “We are recognising that market requirements have changed in recent years. These days you can’t underestimate the value in gaining work experience whether it is as part of an educational course or a schemed work placement such as an apprenticeship. As our survey shows, recruiters are not necessarily looking for a degree anymore but want to see that candidates have had a true encounter of working life and from that can bring something of value when joining a company.”
Employers in the Thames Valley are proven to be flexible, accommodating and proactive in their approach to learning and training. 31% offer the option of part-time study leave, 23% offer apprenticeships and work based training and 63% run vocational training courses.
Bucks and Berks Recruitment, an independent, family-led business, supplies organisations with staff across a wide range of disciplines, from receptionists and accounts through to marketing and management. It is the longest established recruitment consultancy in the region, having recently celebrated its 90 years' anniversary.
National Careers Week is a celebration of careers guidance and opportunities across the UK. It showcases what people are doing to support, console, inspire and challenge anyone who has a stake in career thinking - and career action.
