Accountancy firm Ernst & Young has seen applications for its graduate trainee scheme rise by 140% compared to the same point last year.

The firm has received 3,200 applications for 800 places on the scheme.

The company has also seen a 25% increase in attendence at university campus events compared to the same period in 2010, and applications for its undergraduate work experience placements have more than doubled compared to last year, with 1700 students so far going for 750 places.

Head of graduate recruitment at the firm Stephen Isherwood urges candidates to apply early: “Having already received four applications for every place on our graduate trainee scheme, students need to get organised if they want to secure their dream job after finishing university and start applying for vacancies.”

He also suggests applicants avoiding being too London-centric: “Our regional offices in Reading and Southampton for example would provide the same career development opportunities as working in the capital, plus the chance to work across a greater variety of clients.”