Employers in the retail sector are looking to establish a broader base of potential recruits by considering school leavers for those positions previously the preserve of graduates.
Following the news that - as of September 2012 - universities in England will be allowed to raise tuition fees to a maximum ??9,000 per year, an increasing number of retailers are ready to consider school leavers for graduate positions, research has shown.
A survey of 1,000 graduates and 350 employers in the retail sector by talent management firm SHL found that a third (33 per cent) of retailers are now considering school leavers in addition to graduates, while a further 47 per cent expect to consider them in the future.
The researchers say the policy shift reflects employers' concerns that university is becoming too expensive for many young people and that they should be widening their talent search as a result.
"It's encouraging that retailers are considering school leavers for graduate roles, as this means that talented students, who perhaps cannot afford ??9k per annum for three or four years, won?????t be priced out of the top retail jobs," said SHL's Sean Howard.
"In order for retailers to ensure they have a steady pool of talent coming in, they need to encourage talented school leavers and non-graduates into their organisations, but also need the right processes in place to attract and retain that talent. Retailers need to look beyond university records and consider the candidate's aptitude, experience and motivation for a specific role."
This growing trend amongst retail employers - which may provide a template for many other industries - will reassure those individuals concerned by the prospect of being unable to afford an expensive university education and thus suffering reduced job prospects.
It is worth noting, however, that for recent graduates at least, the impact of these changes will be minimal. Competition for places will only significantly increase once increased tuition fees are implemented next year. At this time graduates will face the growing likelihood of school leavers applying alongside them for positions.Only then will the true value of a degree become apparent.
Jordan, GRB Journalist
