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With a further 31 recruits into PwC’s East Midlands office and 27 into Milton Keynes, PwC’s total recruitment reaches a record 223 new joiners across the Midlands.  This sees a 35% increase on its 2018 intake.

Nationally, the Firm has recruited some 1,200 graduates, with Midlands universities consistently providing more graduates for the Firm’s intake nationally than other regions.

The professional services firm has recruited 197 graduates from universities across the country, with almost half of these coming from universities based in the Midlands, including the University of Birmingham, Aston University, University of Warwick, Coventry University, University of Wolverhampton, University of Leicester, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Loughborough University and De Montfort University.

PwC is also welcoming 36 students on its second cohort of the technology degree apprenticeship with the University of Birmingham where students enjoy a fully-funded degree, work placements with PwC and employment beyond.

In addition, over 180 students are participating in the Flying Start programme - a degree course run in conjunction with PwC, ICAEW, University of Nottingham Business School, University of Reading, Newcastle University and University of Manchester business school. The programme allows students to study at university, as well as gaining practical paid work experience with PwC.

Matthew Hammond, senior partner for the Birmingham office and Midlands region chairman, said:

“We are delighted to welcome our largest annual intake of graduates and higher apprentices in the Midlands. This demonstrates our commitment to recruiting local talent including school leavers and graduates as we continue to invest in the next generation of future leaders. Our technology degree apprenticeship with the University of Birmingham, which is now in its second year, is just one of many examples of how we are breaking down barriers to help more people with more varied backgrounds to join PwC and build exciting technology based careers.

“Attracting the next generation talent is the life-blood of our Firm as we continue to deliver on our vision of being the leading tech-enabled professional firm.  I am proud that our investment in our people is matched by our investment in the region and the regeneration of Birmingham city centre - the ‘class of 2019’ will uniquely be the first to enjoy One Chamberlain Square when we move to our new office at the start of 2020. Our investment in Birmingham demonstrates our commitment to growth in the Midlands, as we look to rebalance our footprint outside of London and attract more graduates outside the capital and across the U.K.”

This year’s intake is the first to have taken part in PwC’s new tech-enabled application process, which includes game-based assessments, video interviews and an immersive assessment event in the office.

Over the summer of 2019 150 students benefited from PwC’s work experience initiatives, including  61 student internships on the firm’s six week work experience programme, 23 students joined the Women in Business programme, and 66 Year 12 students joined for the Insight Weeks.

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