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Accountancy firm scraps academic requirements for trainees

Students will no longer need certain grades to apply for a job at the global accountancy firm EY.

The company has removed academic requirements from its entry criteria so it can “create a more even and fair playing field for all candidates”.

Previously you had to have at least 3 Bs at A-level and a 2.1 degree to apply. Instead, EY will use online assessments and numerical tests to help them choose the best applicants.

Maggie Stilwell, from EY, says: “We are modernising the workplace, challenging traditional thinking and ways of doing things.

“Transforming our recruitment process will open up opportunities for talented individuals regardless of their background and provide greater access to the profession.”

Maggie says that academic qualifications will still be taken into account but they won’t be a barrier to getting a foot in the door anymore.

Research by the firm showed there was no evidence to prove that higher exam grades led to future success in professional qualifications.

The changes will come into force for the 2016 graduate, undergraduate and school leaver programmes.

Find out more about a career in accountancy or explore some other career options. Didn’t get the exam grades you were hoping for? Don’t stress – here are five practical alternatives to going to uni.