Deloitte, PwC providing additional coaching to COVID-era graduates to address skills gap

Deloitte and PwC are providing additional coaching to recruits who lack skills such as teamwork and communication, mainly due to the impact of the Covid pandemic on their education, reported the Financial Times.

Young recruits lack confidence in performing basic tasks such as preparing a presentation for a meeting or working with other teammates. This is the main reason why “employers need to provide training on basic professional working skills” that were not previously required, Jackie Henry, Deloitte’s UK Managing Partner for People and Purpose, told the Financial Times.

As per the plan, some senior PwC staff will spend two years on the arrangement working as full-time coaches and trainers, guiding junior associates on their career development and performance and helping them enhance their skill sets when needed Will be

These senior employees are also encouraged by firms to pursue formal career coaching qualifications.

The introduction of additional training by leading UK firms reflects the challenges employers face in dealing with the impact of pandemic restrictions on their workforce.

It is quite clear that students receiving education during the pandemic may now be stronger in some areas and less confident in others like communication, teamwork etc.

Ian Elliott, PwC’s UK chief people officer, told the Financial Times that some of the company’s recruits were “less confident” and were talking up in meetings, collaborating with colleagues and networking.

The lack of corporate experience and practical knowledge is another obstacle to the career development of new employees. This had a profound effect on his confidence and the way he worked. It is difficult for employers to compensate for the skills gap, even with training because the mixed work culture is still a challenge for employers.