Everything you need to know about graduate schemes

Finding employment is top of everyone’s priority list, post-university. In fact, knowing that you can get a good job after you graduate is a big part of deciding what you study and where you study. Here’s where graduate schemes come in... 

Graduate schemes are work-based training programmes that typically last between one and three years. They are real jobs – with a full-time salary – but graduates will also be given training and mentoring alongside their work.

Graduates typically carry on working for the company after their scheme has ended, though they are free to move on if they wish or a place is not available for them.

Graduate schemes offer a springboard into a good job straight from uni, and positions are up for grabs at some major companies.

So as well as sending a raft of applications and keeping your ear to the ground, check out our one-stop guide to these schemes and your best way of getting on one…  

They’re really helpful

The great thing about graduate schemes is that they provide invaluable experience of a professional workplace. And as a recent graduate, they help you hit the ground running.

Here’s the thing. You can get “on the spot” training and learn skills in various jobs. But unless you’re really lucky, those won’t be tailored to your needs as a graduate.

So, this is where graduate schemes come in:

The Civil Service Fast Stream, for example, provides graduate level grounding in a range of areas, preparing you for a possible career in local or national government.

Or, if you see your future in the classroom, Teach First enables you to build essential communication skills and get a vital first step on the education ladder.

These company programmes aren’t guaranteed to lead to a job, but they make you highly attractive to other employers, and also boost your salary prospects.

The other big plus, is that you get to try out a job or career path (sometimes more than one), before fully committing. It looks much better on your CV if you leave a company upon completion of a graduate scheme, rather than attempting to switch between ordinary jobs.

There are lots to choose from

There are hundreds of graduate schemes available in the UK. Whether you want to work in sales or marketing, finance or engineering, healthcare or the legal industry – you can find a scheme that fits your career aspirations.

Here’s just some of the big-name UK and International companies that offer graduate schemes:

Lidl

As one of the UK’s fastest growing retail chains, Lidl’s graduate schemes run in several areas of the business: management, buying, retail and head office.

GSK

The pharmaceuticals giant offers a two or three-year ‘Future Leaders Programme’ where you’ll learn about and make an impact in your choice of business areas, including: finance, HR, technology or environment and sustainability. They also have a pharmacy pre-registration programme for graduate pharmacists.

MI5

Fancy yourself as the next James Bond? If the answer is yes, then you should apply to MI5’s graduate scheme. With plenty of training and further career opportunities you’ll be “shaken, not stirred” in no time”

PWC

Voted best Graduate Employer every year over the last 15 years, PWC is a popular graduate scheme amongst students. They offer placements in legal, tax, auditing, consulting and IT. programmes last for five years and offer you the chance to study for specific qualifications alongside earning a great salary.

HSBC

One of the world’s biggest banks offers a variety of finance based graduate schemes in global banking, commercial banking and retails banking. The good news is a degree in economics or other finance related subjects is not needed to apply (though it would undoubtedly help).

NHS

The NHS offers graduate schemes across a number of areas, including: health analysis; human resources management and finance management. 

They’re inclusive

You may think that only the top students get onto graduate schemes. This isn’t the case today, as many employers seek to hire the right person rather than the best grade.

Typically though, most employers seek students who have gained a 2:1 or higher at university for their graduate schemes. However, some companies will also accept graduates with a 2:2 if they have relevant work experience to add to their application.

What are you waiting for? If you feel you’re the missing ingredient a company is looking for, then put your name forward and show them what you’re made of.

Should numbers be your thing then Ernst & Young have their own tests to determine the best graduate candidates. As one of the “Big 4” accountancy firms, this is a golden opportunity.

Remember that top qualifications are desirable, but it’s the individual employers look for. Uni is about more than simply getting a piece of paper to prove your worth.

They’re hard work to get in on

As you might expect, getting onto a graduate scheme is no walk in the park. You could find yourself attending things like group interviews, as well as filling in forms.

In it to win it - Having an inside perspective on the process is very important. Different companies have different approaches to whittle down the top talent.

Once you’ve jumped all the hurdles, the final stage is a one on one interview. Everything boils down to this moment, and you have that one time to shine.

Knowing what to expect from an interview is a no brainer. There are plenty of resources online to help you prepare for these, some of which feature real life examples.

They’re popular

It won’t surprise you to learn that competition for graduate schemes is fierce, so in addition to being prepared you really have to strike that iron while it’s blazing hot.

Keep your eyes peeled. Sites like Milkround give you the lowdown, but there are also long-established places like The Guardian, which have a history of finding graduates jobs.

Timing is everything. The optimum period for applications is in the later part of the year, between September and Christmas. Company websites contain all the info.

Be patient! It takes the best part of a year for the process to run its course, so if you’re expecting a job fast then you might be best applying for other things at the same time.

With a range of opportunities on offer, and high quality training from some of the best business brains, graduate schemes form the perfect transition between uni and work.