Introduction
It is National Graduate Week and the key time for employers to open applications for job schemes aimed at uni leavers. With around 800,000 undergraduates and postgraduates completing courses at higher education level each year, winning a coveted place on a grad scheme can give you the edge in the jobs market. The programmes, which last from 12 months to four years, offer structured learning and industry experience on a competitive salary. Most major firms, and many smaller ones, run them. But the competition is fierce, with employers receiving an average of 39 applications per graduate vacancy in 2022.
Grad Scheme Hiring on the Rise
The latest High Fliers Graduate Market report reveals grad scheme hiring is expected to rise by 6.3 per cent this year, with accounting and professional services firms taking on the biggest numbers. And with average starting salaries hitting £33,500, while some roles in law and banking pay up to £52,000, here is Sunemployment’s guide on the top ten schemes to apply for.
Marks & Spencer
The high street favourite has quadrupled the number of places available for its 2024 Retail Leaders programme, with 76 graduate jobs up for grabs. For more information, see jobs.marksandspencer.com/early- careers.
KPMG
As one of the top grad employers, the professional services firm will recruit 1,000 graduates this year across audit and tax, consulting, law and technology. See kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates.
Barratt Developments
The housebuilder’s Aspire programme covers sales, land, technical, construction, finance and commercial, and is open to graduates with a minimum 2:2 degree. Applications open on November 8. See barrattcareers.co.uk/early-careers/ graduates/aspire-programme.
British Airways
Watch your career take off as the airline offers 90 grad places. Roles include future leaders, data science, engineering and operations planning. See careers.ba.com/graduates.
Teach First
There are 1,750 trainee teaching positions available. The greatest need is for trainees to teach science, maths and modern foreign languages. See teachfirst.org.uk/training-pr.
Veolia
The waste and water management giant has 52 grad roles, including engineering, technology and project management, environmental and marketing. See veolia.co.uk/careers/graduates.
Stantec
The architectural specialist is offering 170 places, with jobs in everything from civil engineering and hydrology to town planning, urban design and landscape architecture. HR director Gill Blandin-Ellis said: "If you’re interested in working in a diverse, fun and inclusive environment, we would love to hear from you." See stantec.com/uk/careers/graduates-apprentices.
Zurich
There are 33 places on the insurance group’s courses, including business management, change and tech, plus data and analytics. Apply by November 5. See zurich.co.uk/careers/graduate-schemes.
Bakkavor
Hungry for success? The fresh-prepared food provider is hiring for 18 grad jobs in manufacturing, finance, technical, HR, development and engineering. See bakkavor.com/careers.
THG
The e-commerce expert is hiring 125 graduates across technology, marketing, finance, PR and communications, buying and merchandising, supply chain, logistics, procurement, and operations, plus customer experience. Chief people officer Konrad Hill said: "We’re known for helping our people go further, faster." See thg.com/talent/job-search.
Conclusion
Find out more at nationalgraduateweek.co.uk.
