Top 10 Graduate Schemes

TOP GRADUATE SCHEMES

A graduate scheme is a training programme that allows graduates to gain practical experience with a company or organisation and transition from university into the workplace.

They are designed to provide support starting your career and develop the essential skills needed to thrive at work. Graduate schemes are paid positions and usually last between one and three years, however the length of the scheme varies depending on the industry or placement. They are available in nearly every industry and involve all kinds of roles. Joining a graduate scheme is a great way to prove your knowledge and skills and experience what it’s like being in a workplace.

Since 1999, The Times has been publishing a book each year on the Top 100 Graduate Employers according to students. These are the workplaces with the best salaries, best job satisfaction and most sought-after positions. The book itself is available for free from most university careers departments, or £19.99 to buy. However, we’ve got everything you need here, with The Times’ Top 10 Graduate Schemes.

1

Salary:

Competitive

Openings:

1,350

The Number 1 Graduate Employer in The Times’ Top 100 list for the last 15 years. PwC offer graduate schemes in multiple areas of Accounting and Professional Services. According to PwC, their graduate schemes offer graduates the opportunity to “grow as an individual, build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything”.

3

Salary:

£44,000+

Openings:

100

This graduate scheme teaches you the ins and outs of store life before giving you responsibility and the opportunity to run operations. According to Aldi, they “thrive on giving graduates unparalleled exposure, training and support”.

2

Salary:

£25,000-28,000

Openings:

1,500

The civil service fast stream offers talented graduates an accelerated route to leadership in the Civil Service. They offer roles in finance, health, diplomacy and many more.

4

Salary:

Competitive

Openings:

1,750

Teach First are a charity, who aim to address educational inequality. During their graduate schemes, “you’ll build the skills and experience to become a leader in all sectors of society”.

7

Salary:

£23,818

Openings:

500

The NHS say their graduate programme puts you on the road to developing the skills and confidence you need to lead the organisation through its transformation into an ever more efficient, successful and professional health care service.

8

Salary:

Competitive

Openings:

1,200

KPMG is a professional service, part of a global network of firms that offer Tax, Audit, Consulting and Advisory services. KPMG say their graduate programmes will help you to grow professionally, whilst giving you real responsibilities and access to qualifications.

5 9

Salary: Openings:

Competitive Variable

Google offer graduate schemes in sales, marketing, media and consulting, in addition to their many roles in software engineering, IT and telecommunications.

Salary:

Competitive

Openings:

800

EY are another professional service that specialise in Audit, Tax, Assurance and Consulting. They say their graduate programmes will help you work on your strengths, while building the skills and experience to make an impact on the fastchanging world of business.

6

Salary:

Competitive

Openings:

1,000

Deloitte provide consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax and related services to clients. They say their graduates are treated as “Business Advisors, who’ll work directly with clients on projects that have a very real and meaningful impact on their success” and gain a professional qualification and business skills.

10

Salary:

Competitive

Openings:

60

GSK are a global healthcare company. They offer a range of fulfilling roles across several business functions, including positions in Finance, IT, Engineering, Science and HR. GSK have a huge range of opportunities for graduates.