Majority of firms believe a willingness to learn is most important when hiring

A new survey has revealed that nearly three-quarters of employers agree that when looking for a potential employee, a willingness to learn is more important than having a degree.

While there are of course certain professions where a degree is mandatory, the Hays research found that 45% of employers believe it is no longer important to them that a job applicant has a degree.

Simon Winfield, CEO of Hays UK and Ireland, commented, “It’s encouraging to see employers are becoming much more open minded when it comes to hiring staff in a skills short market.

“There are still professions where degrees are required or preferred, however, there’s so many more routes into the world of work including apprenticeships and academies where professionals can earn and learn at the same time.

“Opening up routes to entry is so important for levelling the playing field for professionals, with plenty of employers indicating aptitude and willingness to learn is more important than existing skillsets.

“Employers who can support different options to access work, focusing on skills and experience rather than qualifications will be more likely to stand the test of time when it comes to having the talent they need.”

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