Businesses in the publishing and other sectors have announced that they are no longer insisting that recruits are educated to degree level.

Business Argus has asked the local business community: Are degrees still relevant for your sector and would you employ someone without a degree/A levels if you felt they had other attributes which would help them do the job and fit in with your business?

Ashley Harkus, managing partner, Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt Solicitors, Newport, Pontypool and Usk

We recruit a variety of staff some of whom have degrees and others who have qualified through other routes. One of our Partners, who was nominated for a national law society award for her achievements in care and family law, started at the firm as a receptionist and with the firms support qualified through the ILEX route. Its more important in my view to recruit people who have potential, aptitude and enthusiasm and to help them succeed rather than just relying on their ability to pass an exam.

Liz Maher, director for Centurion VAT Specialist, Langstone

When we look for a new employee, degrees or A-level qualifications are not the only attribute we look for, but individuals need to be able to demonstrate their own ability around the subject at hand and for the most part, qualifications are a mark of that; so to some extent they are still relevant. However, other factors come in to play. For example, a person may have all the right qualifications for a role based on their academic achievements but lack the social skills or communication skills to fit into a team, or simply lack the motivation and desire to engage, which is something most business owners or employers really want to see during an interview. It is the potential in a person we need to see as well

Ed Gooderham, director at Green & Accountants & Tax Advisors, Cwmbran

Experience has taught us that suitability for a position can’t always be measured by paper qualifications. We try to judge job applicants on their attitude to life and work and their potential to contribute to the team, as well as their academic achievements. Degrees and advanced qualifications are of course a good indicator of the ability to learn and process information and they form a good foundation for gaining accreditation from our professional bodies. However, an aptitude for the practical skills required to contribute to the practice is just as important; the work environment is very different from the theoretical situations explored by students in further and higher education and as much, if not more, can be learned just by experience in the workplace.

Steven Adams, director at Simply Factoring Brokers, Newport

Whenever I’m looking for a new member of staff I always look to experience first in their CV, then qualifications second. I don’t think a qualification always demonstrates if you're eager to do well, work hard, and be enthusiastic. Unless you are looking for a job in a certain industry, such as law, medical, finance etc; a lot of things I look for in a member of staff is their natural ability and eagerness to learn.

Lloyd Davies, managing director, Convey Law, Newport

Academic qualifications are still important in our profession, but at Convey Law, an employer who achieved the Investors in People Gold Standard in 2015, we have our own in-house, detailed and structured training and development programme, which is embraced by our employees and is the cornerstone of our success. Whilst we recognise the importance of academic qualifications, this should not become a barrier for out potential recruits as other characteristics such as a determination to succeed, a desire for personal progression and customer service skills are equally as important in the legal sector and will have a positive effect on our business.

Ross Porter, managing director, Clearsky Recruitment, Blackwood and Cardiff

Having been in the recruitment sector for the best part of 20 years, I have seen a significant increase in the number of jobseekers with degrees over the years. I believe that a university degree is not an essential requirement to work in the recruitment industry and yes we do employ people who do not have a university degree. I believe that the right attitude, patience, excellent customer service skills and the desire to succeed and to consistently put the effort in on behalf of the business is more relevant than a university degree in my sector.

Sarah John, commercial director, Acorn, Newport

I would appoint an individual without a degree or A-Levels – after all, commitment, enthusiasm and a strong drive to work is vital. While completing a degree or A-Levels is a great indication of academic ability, as a director of a training divison, I put more of an onus on potential and existing skill sets in a prospective employee. Many individuals might not have the work experience you expect in others, however, they can provide your business with a new outlook. Of course, some degrees and other qualifications have a significant place in some of the industries we work in such as IT and digital and nursing and healthcare. However, at Acorn, we achieve huge return on investment by putting time and work into an employee, growing their skills on-the-job – it’s important to remember that age isn’t always a precursor for talent. We run a range of programmes, including higher apprenticeships. As the economy continues to grow, and higher education costs become more prohibitive, I believe that many people will consider alternative routes into employment, via a range of programmes, including apprenticeships, so businesses must be ready to seize this new increased pool of talent.

Kate Richards, territory manager, Budget Vets, Newport

At Budget Vets qualifications do not always count for a final decision on a job offer. For a veterinary surgeon position or RVN position they have to be a qualified by law but other things are considered. For other positions in auxiliary nursing, reception and some office / management positions the individuals attitude and life experiences are often far more valuable than a qualification. Of course it’s great if they can have both! Personally, my background was in the prison service but I ended up in a branch manager's position and worked my way up to deputy practice manager, general manager and now I’m the territory manager. Our managing director saw something in me that he thought was going to be of value to the company, despite not being from the industry. During my time at Budget Vets I’ve become a competent member of nursing staff and am now extremely knowledgeable about the industry I work in. The life skills I have before working here enables me to apply my experiences to deal with certain situations and people from all walks of life, with all types of problems. You can’t teach people those things in an induction process, regardless of length or depth. They are gained during life experiences. I believe that degrees and higher level qualifications are always good to have and important to personal development, they show knowledge, and commitment but I personally believe that life experiences and attitudes are just as important.

John Newell, director, Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

Degrees and academic qualifications are important and do show an individual’s ability to study and learn. Graduates do make good employees and yes we do consider them but I would also employ someone who has left school with minimal qualifications if they could demonstrate to me a strong work ethos, an ability and desire to learn and a drive to succeed. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs do not have degrees, they have started work at a young age and have worked hard to better themselves and create their own career opportunities. I employ candidates who will represent the business in a professional, appropriate manner and maintain our high customer service levels.

Dan Smith, director, M4 Property Consultants, Cwmbran

M4 has employed both graduates and staff without further education qualifications. The graduates we have employed have a basic understanding of the commercial property industry whilst the staff without a degree have a good knowledge of the workplace and what is expected from them. Our property assistant joined the company without qualifications and has firmly established herself and is a big asset to M4. Ultimately degree’s and appropriate qualifications are essential for some roles within the commercial property sector but there is no reason why you should not consider nurturing and developing your own staff from within and encourage them to take professional courses whilst at work.