Applications open for PwC’s 2012 student and graduate programme at the end of September for at least 1,800 A-level, internship and full-time roles across the UK.

This week 1,200 graduates will join the professional services firm across its tax, assurance, consulting, actuarial, legal, consulting and advisory practices. This year’s intake includes, for the first time, 40 technology jobs. Trainees will join teams in information security and system testing, studying towards an IT qualification.

Richard Irwin, PwC head of student recruitment, says: “The high number conversions from internships into full-time roles represents great return on investment for our firm, and supports our belief that as a business the earlier we work with students, the more successful our recruitment and their experience will be.

“The recession and financial crisis marked a shift in attitudes towards understanding more about employability with students getting work experience earlier, rather than just relying on the degree on their CVs to get their foot in the door for a job.”