Rather than simply lamenting the situation, we are doing something about it by positively encouraging students to go to university and obtain degrees that will be of practical benefit to them and to the UK financial services sector.

In the initial phase of our campaign, we are launching a competition open to all “A” level students in Buckinghamshire who intend going to university to study an appropriate degree this Autumn, which will ask them to address the root causes of this decline in an innovative and interesting way and present their solution in a medium of their choice, rather than just a simple written report.

The firm is not just offering a £2,000 cash prize; the winner will also be guaranteed a twelve month placement with Affinity at any time during the next four years, to fit in with their course.

The competition is specifically timed not to interfere with students’ revision and exams, but schools are asked for an indication of who will be entering as soon as possible, in order to help Affinity assemble the judges, who are likely to be representatives of the County of Buckinghamshire, the financial services industry and press.

To download an application and copy of the rules, please click here.