Young people without a university education must continue to have access to the UK's professional services sector, according to a leading industry body.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) said a degree should not be a prerequisite for people seeking careers in sectors such as accounting, consulting and tax.

Mark Protherough, executive director for learning and professional development at the organisation, explained that a fifth of ICAEW accountants entered the profession via a non-university route.

This ensures talented people from a variety of backgrounds have equal opportunity to develop successful careers, he suggested.

Mr Protherough said the number of non-graduates working in professional services could increase in the future, should plans for a new qualification get the go-ahead.

Big Four firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is currently consulting on a new Higher Apprenticeship for Professional Services, which would provide a formal entry route into a number of careers.

PwC said interest in 'earn while you learn' routes has dramatically increased since 2008, with applications to its own school leaver entry programme up by over 300 per cent.

Gaenor Bagley, head of people at PwC, said there is "definitely an appetite" among employers and students for non-university routes into professional services.

Posted by Dan Smith