Don't believe everything you read - still recruiting graduates

Well, apart from what we are writing here of course. With headlines such as '70 graduates for one job' and 'Students require a 2:1 for a graduate job', it's almost as depressing as England not making the world cup final. Fortunately the UK graduate market is performing better than the media have us believe. Your students may have been put off applying for a vacancy because of the headlines. However it's not too late to apply if they are interested in a career in business, accounting and finance. Read on for the facts from the experts - the graduate recruiters!The facts between the headlines.

Graduates warned of record 70 applicants for every job

With students receiving record levels of 2.1's think about making CV's and applications stand out. Don't dismiss a part-time job as not relevant to a graduate employer. Working in bars, backpacking, waiting on tables are all good work experience. If they can demonstrate skills such as communication and time management, it will make them stand out. It is a competitive job market but there are lots of ACA opportunities out there and according to recent research 16 applicants per one accountancy vacancy is far fewer than other industries.

UK graduates face 7% drop in job vacancies

Surprisingly 30% of firms are still recruiting and have spaces for 2010 graduates. The bright lights of London are not for everyone and the Big 4 accountancy firms are not just in London - there are plenty of regional offices looking for bright young graduates.

Graduate salaries remain frozen

With the average starting salary around £26,000 it is still an attractive starting salary. It is not uncommon for trainee ACA's to double their salary by the time they finish their three year ACA training contract.

Don't bother applying without a 2:1

Some large graduate employers request a 2.1 and this is true for some top accountancy firms however there are still lots of employers who consider a 2.2. Search our Training Vacancies website to find firms recruiting with a 2.2.

AN ACA TRAINING CONTRACT

The ACA is a leading financial business qualification that graduates study for while in full-time employment, earning a competitive salary. ICAEW authorise employers to ensure graduates are supported throughout their three year training. A variety of organisations from the Big 4 to industry, commerce and not-for-profit offer the ACA qualification.

THE TRUTH IS THAT PLENTY OF GRADUATE EMPLOYERS STILL HAVE VACANCIES FOR 2010!

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?

Visit the links directly or alternatively search online for other 2010 vacancies www.icaew.com/careers

Find out more about the ACA qualification www.icaew.com/careers
Do your students need a training agreement? http://trainingvacancies.icaew.com/

LOOK AT WHO IS STILL RECRUITING FOR 2010!

KPMG have opportunities available in a range of offices across the UK http://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/Graduates/default.aspx?pg=8763

Deloitte have vacancies available in offices throughout the UK http://careers.deloitte.com/united-kingdom/students/studentgrad.aspx?globalaudiencecode=student

Grant Thornton are looking for applicants to start http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/careers.aspx

Find out how SWATuk can help you find a training contract http://www.swat.co.uk/