The Relevance of Grad Schemes and Why They Are Beneficial
Grad Schemes play an important role in a lot of student's lives after they have achieved the degree that they want. A Grad Scheme will open a way for you to get work experience in the field of work that you have been working hard towards, gaining hands-on experience. Not only will you be able to progress and earn valuable experience, but you will be able to develop your skills and talents in that area to become a leader and expert in the role that you are aiming for. Graduate schemes are becoming increasingly popular, as evidenced by statistics from Standout-CV. In the NHS, there are approximately 85 applications for every graduate position available, translating to 17,000 applications for just 200 spaces. This impressive number highlights the strong interest in pursuing and developing careers in the care sector. A requirement of a Grad Scheme is that you have to have a degree to be able to access this training.
Where to Find Graduate Schemes
Grad Schemes can be found all across the UK, but based on 2022 statistics, the careers that mostly have Graduate Schemes are: business and management, medicine, social sciences, design, creative and performing arts, education and teaching, engineering and technology, and a lot more. Some large companies offer Graduate Schemes, which include Google, KMPG, NHS, and the UK Civil Service, furthermore, some of the top employers that provide Graduate Schemes include EY, NHS, the BBC, Amazon, Aldi, Deloitte, Natwest, National Rail, and so many more! The top careers in Grad Schemes are business and management with over 175 thousand graduates. Grad Schemes are usually promoted and available the most in the months of September to November, as this is the time when people would have graduated and might want to start to progress in their career paths and gain some experience for their future. A lot of grad schemes are in the areas of accounting and professional services, armed forces, banking and finance, Civil Service, healthcare, engineering, law, media, retail, and science and technology.
You can find Grad Schemes in a lot of places including London, Birmingham, and Manchester to name a few but they can be found nationwide. It is always good to research companies and the job before applying for a Grad Scheme, while also looking at the reputation of the scheme and the clear progression paths that it can offer you.
Grad Scheme salary and their differences with regions
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for graduates is £31,841 annually in areas like London, however, this will vary from company to company and in different places, and it will likely increase with time. Graduate jobs are becoming more popular as well with an 8% increase year by year with graduate vacancies, so it is worth looking into graduate schemes, even while you are still studying, to take a look for your future!
Since Graduate Schemes are becoming increasingly popular, here are some of the companies with the biggest graduate intake:
- Aldi
- PwC
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- The BBC
- NHS
And so many more companies provide opportunities for graduates. Even some of your favorite companies might provide a Graduate Scheme so there is always a benefit in looking!
How to apply for Graduate Schemes 2024
The way to apply for a Grad Scheme is by filling out an online application form, you will then have to take a series of psychometric tests in timed conditions. The things that can go into these tests include ability, aptitude, and personality, they also have a different type of psychometric test for dialed people, which includes being able to use screen reading software and having extra time to complete the test. This will help the employer identify the best person for their company and job, also allowing the employer to screen lots of applicants without actually interviewing them, saving time and resources. Then after these, you have to have an interview, this being over either telephone or video call.
You might then have to do some tasks or exercises, possibly e-tray exercises. The next section is attending an assessment center, and then doing a face-to-face interview with someone or multiple people for the company you have applied for, you will most likely have to do a presentation on a topic chosen by the employer. These should be all the stages of the application process for getting into a Grad Scheme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFkyNP8TWNw
To prepare for Graduate Schemes, make a portfolio beforehand to show your future employer what skills you have and to portray what the best work you can provide looks like, it also makes you stand out from the other applicants. You should also prepare your CV, making sure it is up to date by adding everything that you have done including skills. You can also start practicing for future interviews by researching questions, making sure that everything you have is up to date and when it comes to an interview ensure you have everything the interviewer requested you to bring!
The Role of Employers in Graduate Schemes
Graduate Schemes are very beneficial to everyone, especially employers, as they provide new skills and insights to the job that they are filling and they can help further increase the business and the company as a whole. Graduates have a lot of knowledge in their field of work, so adding that to a company would be very insightful and also beneficial to both graduate and employer. Learning from each other and gaining more skills and knowledge throughout the scheme.
Not only are the graduates very helpful with bringing new ideas and perspectives to the company, but they will also have a very strong work ethic and have an eagerness to learn. Therefore they will most likely put in more effort to succeed in your company and gain more skills and knowledge!
