Finding The Best Graduate Schemes & Application Tips

By Mark Barrow

Finding and applying for a graduate scheme at an industry-leading organisation can be a daunting prospect, but with the right preparation and attitude, you can find the perfect opportunity for you.

If you‘re looking to find the best graduate schemes, then read on, we’ve also got some top application tips to help you stand out from the crowd!

What is a graduate training scheme?

A graduate training scheme is a program designed to develop the skills of a recent graduate. It can be seen as a bridge between uni and work life. The best graduate training schemes will build on the skills and knowledge already learned at university and show you how to apply them in a working environment. It will give you an incredible head start to your future professional career. The best graduate schemes will also develop you into a future leader in your chosen industry. The length of graduate training schemes varies depending on the organisation, but they typically last between one and two years. 

What requirements are there for me to join a graduate training scheme in the UK?

The specific requirements for joining a graduate training scheme in the UK will vary depending on the scheme you are applying for. Generally, you will need to have achieved a 2.1 in your degree (or equivalent qualification), along with a good academic record and relevant experience or skills. Don’t worry if you haven’t achieved a 2.1 though, there are lots of schemes that you can join with a 2.2, many of these are focussed on the subject of the degree you have, rather than your grade, so you can still have a competitive edge over other graduates. 

How much can I expect to be paid on a graduate scheme?

According to High Flyers Research, in 2022, the median starting salaries at the UK’s leading graduate employers reached £32,000. However, if you’re looking to stay local then according to graduatejobs.com, the average graduate salary in Liverpool in 2023 is £24,434, with finance, accounting and engineering the most in-demand degree qualifications.

What companies offer the best graduate schemes?

The Covid-19 pandemic forced companies to put their schemes on hold in recent years, however, the number of graduate vacancies available has recovered and is now 11% higher than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. So, there are lots of opportunities for new graduates and they are set to grow.

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2022-2023 is a great place to find the best graduate schemes. The below organisations top the list this year. If you’re interested in working for a particular employer, you should head over to their website and research the opportunities they offer.

1. Civil Service
2. NHS
3. PwC
4. Deloitte
5. Google
6. EY
7. BBC
8. KPMG
9. Aldi
10. Amazon
11. Goldman Sachs
12. J.P. Morgan
13. GSK
14. Teach First
15. Barclays
16. HSBC
17. Clifford Chance
18. McKinsey & Company
19. L’Oréal
20. Unilever

Why choose a graduate training scheme?

A great scheme will give you access to knowledge, experiences and connections that will raise your profile and open doors in your chosen industry and career path that would otherwise be closed to you. The best graduate schemes will give you the skills, qualifications, and experience that you require to secure a permanent job with the company after the scheme has ended, or prepare you for the next step in your career with another organisation. The best graduate schemes can give your career a massive boost, right at the beginning, while having a recognised industry-leading business on your CV will give you the edge in future job searches.

Graduate scheme or graduate job? What’s the difference?

Make sure you understand the difference as a graduate job will likely come with a less structured development program but is focused more towards on-the-job training. Depending on the direction you want to take, either of these opportunities can be a great option, just make sure that you fully understand what the company and position will offer you now and for your future career progression. 

How to find the best graduate schemes and application tips 

1. Start your search early – the best time to apply for graduate schemes in the UK is generally towards the end of the year (September) so start your research early and see what opportunities are out there. Search for specific companies or use graduate job search pages as Save the Student or Milkround.
2. Attend the university graduate jobs fairs – The LJMU and Uni of Liverpool fairs took place in October last year (2022), and they are a fantastic place to meet employers. It’s a good idea to have a CV and cover letter prepared as lots of the companies accept applications on the day.  
3. Be prepared to apply to lots of schemes. Don’t limit yourself to your dream organisations or jobs, there are hundreds of opportunities available so keep your mind open and you’ll find the perfect fit for you. 
4. Be prepared for rejection, this is a highly competitive process so don’t worry if you don’t hear back or are not successful in an application, remember that everyone else is in the same situation.
5. When preparing an application, make sure that you fully research the company and the role. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and any recent news or developments and find interesting ways to demonstrate your understanding of them in your application. 
6. Put a strong CV and cover letter together and tailor them to each company and role you are applying for. Check out this blog on How to write a graduate CV from Milkround for some great tips and examples.
7. Many graduate schemes require you to take an online test before you are offered an interview, so prepare yourself and practice, lots.
8. Practice for interviews, including preparing answers to common questions. You may be invited to take part in an online assessment centre, these are generally organisation specific but the activities could include a group discussion, psychometric tests or a written assignment. You won’t know what to expect, but remember, they are designed to assess your suitability for the role so keep positive and be the best version of yourself that you can be and you’ll be fine.

Finally, keep faith in yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. The perfect position is out there for you, you just need to go and grab it. Good luck!

Once you start a graduate scheme, you’ll need to find a place to live. Our sister company Carbon Lettings specialises in young professional house shares in Liverpool. Visit their website to see what rooms are available now.

As a graduate, you’ll finally be moving out of your student accommodation. Take a look at our Ultimate Moving-out Checklist blog to make sure the big move goes as smoothly as possible.