What is a Graduate Training Scheme?

There is no doubting the benefits of securing a place on a decent graduate scheme in a field you want to forge a career in. There are a few general things you need to know about the process and what the schemes have to offer:

• Most applications take place in September – January for the following September.
• The training on-the-job will be excellent and boost your future career within the company.
• Salaries can vary widely, but they average around £25,000 for the first 2 years.
• You get to work for some of the best companies across the UK and even abroad.
• The benefits are wider than just the training, you will develop real life skills, earn valuable experience and build your confidence.

Overall, graduate training schemes are so highly desired for a reason. If you are accepted on to a graduate scheme then your career opportunities are huge. There is such a wide range as to what field you will be trained in (and the training is among the best in the country).

The Negatives of a Graduate Training Scheme

It’s clear that graduate training schemes are a great thing to be accepted for. However, this article is also here to give you the alternatives and also show you the downsides to the graduate training schemes. Here is our list of the negatives to consider when applying:

• Thousands of students apply every year and applications can take up a lot of your time. In actual fact only around 10% of graduates manage to secure a graduate training scheme position.
• Most of the schemes require a 2.1 of above and sometimes even in a relevant degree subject. However, some do offer positions to people with a 2.2 degree (see below).
• It is a dog eat dog world and a graduate training scheme is not for the faint hearted.
• You must be willing to be mobile as most schemes will require you to move around the country to train in different locations.
• Most of the schemes will have a graduate scheme in London which can be expensive to live in.
• Very rarely is a graduate training scheme a simple 9-5 job. You will be required to work some late nights and possibly even weekends.

If you still think you have what it takes to succeed in a graduate training scheme then we have the latest deadlines for you to take a look at here.

Graduate Schemes for 2.2 Degrees

The truth of the matter is that if you want to get into the best graduate schemes then you will most likely need a 2.1 classification. However, if you didn’t manage to get a 2.1 at university and you still want to apply for a graduate scheme then there are a few places to look for graduate schemes with a 2.2:

• NHS
• Centrica
• John Lewis
• Waitrose
• PriceWaterhouseCoopers

With a 2.2 you will most likely have to have experience in other areas that could be seen as a reason why you did not achieve the highest marks in your degree. For example starting up your own business.

If you have read this and are now worried that you may not make it into a graduate training scheme there is no need to worry. If you do not get accepted then you should take comfort in the fact that 90% of students are in the same situation as you. There are a mass of alternatives out there for graduates that offer the same quality of job.

Apply direct

It is worth looking at what other graduate positions that the company offers other than a graduate recruitment scheme. If you apply direct and even send in your CV speculatively it can show that you have the drive and confidence to succeed.

Graduate & Undergraduate Placements

A placement at a company is a great way to further your career whether you are currently at university or have graduated. Whether it is unpaid or paid a placement will give you great experience in your chosen field. You will gain key training and work alongside key employees within the company itself.

Even if you cannot get a placement in the company you desire then apply for another company in the same field to use it as a stepping stone. If you do a placement then it may be possible to fast track your graduate training scheme application in the future. Or with the experience gained you can apply directly.

A fast track graduate scheme is when a company will get you straight to the interview stage because of earlier placement contracts or because you have been affiliated with them during your degree. Also if you are a very highly scoring student then the fast track graduate scheme would be open to you.

SME Sector

An SME is a small to medium enterprise. They are generally small local companies. Don’t let this put you off as they can sometimes offer better training to graduates than a graduate scheme can. It is likely to be more personal and you will have greater responsibility. Also, working for an SME can give you the experience that you need to further your career.

One thing to keep in mind is that these small companies may not openly advertise graduate roles so it is important to search for them yourself and apply directly. You can also try a phone call to arrange a meeting with the managing director with a possibility of working there.

Starting your own business

If you are creative and driven then don’t count out starting your own company. In the current economic climate it has become a viable option for many graduates who have good ideas. Look into the funding that government run business schemes and your university might be able to offer you. It’s also important to try and speak with someone (eg. a mentor) who will give you an honest opinion on whether it’s worth going with your business idea.

Part-time Jobs

If you are still struggling to get a job in the field you require then it is a good idea to get a part time job in the mean time. It will obviously benefit you and you don’t know where it could lead. During your time at the part time job you can apply for jobs in your chosen career field or possibly even do further education.

It’s not all doom and gloom!

It is important to remember that although a graduate scheme is a great place to start your career there are so many other options open to university graduates. Good luck in your applications and we hope that you can be successful in whichever path you take.

For more advice on applying for a job take a look at our jobs section.