mthree report: UK tech employers rethinking long held assumptions about what makes graduates hireable
Tech employers are placing less weight on university prestige and greater emphasis on practical skills and workplace readiness when hiring graduates, according to new research from mthree.
This surveyed 208 C-suite, director, and HR manager level IT leaders within medium to large UK enterprises.
It found that 39% of employers now consider graduates from all universities equally. This marks a sharp rise from just 23% the previous year and signals a shift away from traditional academic hierarchies when it comes to entry level hiring in tech. While holding a degree remains important, the university a graduate attended is no longer seen as a key differentiator.
However, employers are increasingly concerned about job readiness. 31% say candidates are lacking the necessary soft skills (e.g. communication or problem-solving) they desire from new recruits. This figure is up from 25% the previous year. Meanwhile, 61% of businesses report a significant shortage of specific technical skills, up from 41% the year before. This is likely exacerbated by the speed of innovation and widespread adoption of AI driving change across industries.
Alex Headley, CEO at mthree, a talent and training provider to blue chip companies and employers across tech, banking, business, and the public sector, says: “Employers are increasingly focused on what graduates can deliver from day one. As technological change accelerates across every major industry, the ability to source and develop adaptable, job-ready talent is critical.”
“This research reinforces the need for businesses to adopt skills first hiring models that help close the gap between education and employment. Our hire-train-deploy approach enables companies to access graduate talent with the technical and interpersonal skills required to deliver value in fast-evolving environments.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in theGarden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
