IT workers with on-the-job experience are by far the preferred candidates for filling IT vacancies, while IT degrees carry little weight with recruiters, according to a new study from IT recruitment and training specialist FDM.

The survey, carried out by Vanson Bourne on behalf of FDM, revealed that only 12 percent of HR managers in UK firms would choose to employ an IT graduate, while only four percent looked to source new IT workers from universities.

On-the-job experience was by far the most valued area on a candidate’s CV. Almost three-quarters of HR managers said that applicants with skills gained in the workplace were their preferred option for filling IT vacancies.

Along with a lack of interest in IT degrees, respondents were unimpressed by candidates’ A-level results. Fifty-nine percent said that A-levels held no importance as part of the IT recruitment process.

Industry qualifications also held little sway with firms. The study found that professional accreditation in areas such as Java and .Net was dismissed by 75 percent of HR managers when considering IT applicants.

Rod Flavell, FDM Group chief executive, said that the results indicated the need for UK education providers to update the IT courses on offer to meet the current needs of business.