Are you graduating next year? Dozens of top employers want to hear from YOU
Employers are trying a range of measures including targeting different universities and lowering entry requirements to make their graduate schemes more accessible
GRADUATING next year? Dozens of top employers want to hear from you.
Graduate recruitment grew seven per cent in the past year, research by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) reveals, but 96 per cent of firms want to attract more diverse candidates including working class, state school and ethnic students.
Employers are trying a range of measures including targeting different universities and lowering entry requirements to make their graduate schemes more accessible.
ISE chief Stephen Isherwood said: “Employers are taking some serious action to improve the diversity of their workforce and there is a high level of concern, particularly as graduates from state schools are potentially being locked out of some of the best career options.”
Overall, the annual Student Recruitment Survey found there were more than 17,000 graduate schemes on offer last year, outstripping both apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.
Salaries are also significantly higher, with new entrants on specialist grad schemes on £28,250, compared to the graduate average of £22,000.
MOST READ IN MONEY
Graduates are most likely to find jobs in engineering, law, utilities, banking or financial services, followed by accountancy, professional services, digital, retail and public sector organisations.
Most grad schemes to start work in autumn 2019 are open now, with closing dates from now until Christmas.
SUNEMPLOYMENT PICKS
DEFENCE specialist BAE Systems wants 300 grads in 50 different engineering and business functions including maritime, air, land and cyber sectors. Schemes last between two and five years.
Richard Hamer, director of education and skills at BAE, says: “Many of our directors first joined the company as graduates. We offer graduates real job opportunities at the end of their programme and strong support along the way.”
Apply by November 30 for business roles and December 31 for engineering jobs at baesystems.com.
- INSURANCE specialist NFU Mutual needs 30 grads for roles in sales and business management, customer service, IT, finance and underwriting. Open to grads with a 2:2 or above, roles are based at its Stratford-upon- Avon HQ. Apply by November 11 at nfumutualcareers.co.uk.
- PROFESSIONAL services giant KPMG needs 1,200 graduates for its three-year programmes in auditing, tech, deal advisory, consulting, tax and pensions and business services. Undergrads can also apply at kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates.