Graduate training schemes

Graduate opportunities might seem like gold dust right now, but there are plenty out there, you just need to know how to tap into them.

What is a graduate training scheme?

Schemes vary widely between industries and companies, but most offer training and a salary. "What defines a scheme is varied work, training, rotations around departments and perhaps a qualification at the end," explains Demetrios Zoppos of GradFutures.

Are there any decent opportunities right now?

There are still many schemes actively recruiting – around 250 opportunities are currently live on the GradFutures website. "It is harder than when the economy was buoyant, but it's by no means impossible to find a job," says Demetrios. "There are worthwhile schemes out there and many companies are even reporting shortfalls in numbers of applicants."

Nicola Brassington is on the Microsoft Academy of Collage Highers (MACH) scheme. "I'd almost given up hope of finding a graduate job. I'd applied to two other schemes and then, after an initial phone interview, waited four months to hear from the MACH scheme before they called to invite me to the interview day," she recalls. "So I would definitely advise people not to give up hope!"

How do I apply?

These opportunities are highly competitive, so tenacity and determination are key. First, Nicola had to complete an online application, answering questions about why she wanted to work at Microsoft, her past experience and studies and situational questions about working in a team or self motivation. "This is where the majority of screening is done – about 60% of applications get weeded out at this phase, so it's important to do your research and answer in detail," she advises.

Next came a 30-minute phone interview, followed by an assessment day. This consisted of an hour-long one-to-one interview, a presentation and a group work task. When Nicola had got through this stage, the final test was a second interview with a panel.

Schemes vary and some use other methods of recruiting. Ben Dickinson got his job as an Audit Associate at Ernst & Young (EY) through a placement scheme at Lancaster University. "Eighteen months of my four-year course were spent on a work placement at EY," he says. The company offered him a job after he met the requirements – a 2:1 or higher final degree and satisfactory performance in the workplace. As part of his graduate role, he's on a training contract with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) to do his professional accountancy exams and has time off for study leave.

I'm definitely applying – how can I stand out?

• Research and prepare. Know your reasons for applying, what skills you can offer, and why you're right for this company. Get your hands on all available information about the scheme you want to do – for example, HSBC produces a DVD which it advises all wannabe graduate trainees to watch.
• Get the basics right – don't make spelling and grammar mistakes in the application and follow the instructions. Get the name of the person you're applying to right.
• Customise your communication to show you've thought through why you want to work for this particular company. Say a bit about yourself – employers want to see you, not a generic letter or personal statement.
• Meet the entry requirements - many have formal requirements, such as a degree at a 2:1 or above.
• "Make your answers relevant to the industry the company is in," says Nicola. "My year in industry really helped as I had lots of examples, but other interests, hobbies or projects you've done can be just as valuable."
• "Out of 12 graduates in my office there's only one who hasn't come through a placement or summer internship," says Ben. So, find out if any companies in your chosen industry offer placements or internships while you're still studying. "You get the advantage of having work experience and the employer gets cheap labour and a chance to test-drive graduates."

Are graduate training schemes worth the hassle?

"I'd definitely advise others to apply," says Nicola. "It's extremely hard to get a job in a big company, so doing a graduate scheme is a much easier way to get in. The training provided is much better than as a general employee. And the network and social life I built up with the other graduates is invaluable."

By Hannah Jolliffe

• Print
• RSS
• 

How was it for you?

What do you think of Lifetracks.com and has it helped you? For your chance to win a £20 Amazon voucher, complete our short survey and help us make the website as useful as possible.