14 of the Best Graduate Schemes in the UK
Enjoying student living but beginning to think about your post-university career? It’s never too early to research the various opportunities available to you. By looking at post-graduate schemes as well as the varying roles within big companies. With these programmes, ranging from Apple graduate schemes to Aldi graduate schemes, you can tailor your CV and experience while you study. Here are some of the biggest companies with the best graduate schemes in the UK.
1. Aldi graduate scheme
It’s ‘tough’, but it’s ‘a year like no other’ – that’s how Aldi describe their Graduate Area Manager Programme. You may have heard of the year-long scheme already thanks to its generous starting salary (£44k) and company car (Audi A4). If you have a passion for retail this could be the one for you. For more information or to apply for any Aldi graduate job click here.
2. Apple graduate scheme
As they are with technology, Apple are also at the cutting edge of recruitment. The Apple graduate scheme in the UK features an Apple Store Leader Programme which takes in all aspects of managing and operating an Apple Store in a 24-month period. Such an experience will involve you working as a Specialist and an Expert to hone your selling skills, a Creative as you teach and train, and a problem-solver at the Genius Bar.To find out more about the apple graduate scheme, click here.
3. United Nations
The UN’s broad range of internship programmes offer opportunities to students of most subjects. Intern places are open to students enrolled in a Master’s or PhD while they also have the Young Professionals Programmes which is offered to candidates who hold a first class degree and are under 32 years old. Find out more about this grad scheme here.
4. PwC graduate schemes
This company, a leader in the field of accountancy and financial management, run fantastic graduate schemes in actuarial, assurance, management consulting, financial advice, legal and tax. There are placements at PwC open to graduates of all specialisms. For more information click here.
5. Microsoft graduate schemes
Microsoft are dedicated to ‘delivering meaningful impact through ground-breaking technology’ and is on the look-out for students with the drive to help them with such a target. They are looking for students who attained a 2:1 degree or higher in a relevant subject and have a curious and questioning mind. For more information click here.
6. NHS grad schemes
Unsurprisingly, the UK’s biggest employer has graduate schemes for students who share their dedication for quality care. There are placements available in general management, finance, health informatics and HR for students across all relevant disciplines. For more information click here.
7. BBC
The world’s best-known broadcasting brand has graduate placements in design, journalism, production, and a lot more besides. The BBC has a widespread fantastic reputation, and, with 97% of the country’s adult population reportedly using BBC services, it is a great way to get noticed. For more information click here.
8. Unilever
Unilever have year-long graduate schemes in supply chain management, finance, business and technology management as well as marketing. The Future Leaders Programme is also available for accelerated management training. For more information click here.
9. GlaxoSmithKline
Pharmaceutical giant GSK has opportunities in science, engineering, communications, procurement, sales and marketing for ambitious, passionate graduates. There are positions based all over the world with a Future Leaders Programme which offers the chance to gain a top position in the organisation’s growing global business. For more information click here.
10. Civil Service Fast Stream
With places in the fields of education, foreign affairs, the economy, defence, environmental, health and many more there is a great range of placements within the government scheme. The programmes are for the best and brightest and are specifically aimed at people who are happy to take on substantial responsibilities and thrive off making a positive impact on the lives of people in the UK. The rewards are vast, with a starting salary of £25,000-27,000 potentially going up to £45,000 after five years. For more information click here.
11. Google
Google, with its reputation of having a fantastic office culture and only taking on the smartest available will have lots of competition for their intern programmes. From finance to marketing, there are roles for most students. The student careers area of their website is also predictably user-friendly. For more information click here.
12. HSBC graduate scheme
HSBC offer one of the UK’s best graduate scheme due to their variety of grad schemes and their collaborative spirit. HSBC graduate schemes range from global banking to a technology graduate programme. They use a virtual business simulation or applicants to give you more of an idea of the role you’re applying for, instead of relying on your CV. For more information click here.
13. Lidl graduate scheme
Another budget supermarket is competing for your expertise and dedication to retail – Lidl. Similar perks to Aldi are offered here, however the Lidl graduate scheme runs for two years. It will start you out as a Customer Assistant where you begin your journey to becoming a Store Manager. For more information, click here.
14. Barclays graduate scheme
Finally, we come to another grad scheme in banking, at Barclays. With competitive salaries, the allure of a healthy work-life balance, a wide range of roles all over the country and with applications open year-round, the Barclays graduate scheme might be kick-starting your new career as an analyst in Banking, Compliance and Finance. For more information click here.
So, have you tried any on this list of best graduate schemes? Did they land you a graduate job and help shape the rest of your career? Let us know in the comments!