Graduate training schemes are structured, paid programmes designed by top employers to fast-track early career graduates into leadership or specialist roles. These schemes typically last one to two years, during which you’ll receive training, work on real projects, and gain hands-on experience across different areas of the business. Here at the Careers and Employability Service, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and resources to navigate these opportunities confidently.

What is a Graduate Training Scheme?

A graduate training scheme is a structured career pathway that enables new graduates to develop essential skills and explore various departments or functions within a company. These schemes are common across industries such as finance, technology, marketing, HR, and engineering. Graduate schemes often include “rotations” — short placements in different areas of the organisation — giving you a well-rounded perspective on the business and helping you find the area you’re most passionate about.

Graduates on these schemes benefit from substantial support, including mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. By the end of the programme, you’ll have gained the experience and skills to step confidently into a more specialised or managerial role within the company.

Why Consider a Graduate Training Scheme?

Graduate training schemes offer some unique advantages:

• Professional Development: Structured training and mentorship are integral to most schemes, helping you build technical and professional skills.
• Career Progression: Employers design these programmes to nurture future leaders, giving graduates the chance to move into higher positions within a few years.
• Networking: You’ll connect with professionals across various departments, expanding your network and opening up more career opportunities.
• Competitive Salary: Graduate schemes typically offer competitive salaries, and many include additional benefits such as bonuses, relocation assistance, and study support.

When to Apply

Most graduate schemes open applications between September and December (please note that some sectors e.g finance can be earlier), often with deadlines around November or December. It’s a good idea to apply early, as some employers close applications as soon as they’ve filled their spots. Set up alerts on CareersConnect to receive notifications about new opportunities, deadlines, and employer events.

You can also explore external resources like Bright Futures Network and Trackr for updated deadlines and application tips. Starting your research early gives you an edge in the application process.

How to Stand Out in Your Application

Graduate schemes can be competitive, with multi-stage application processes that include online applications, psychometric tests, video interviews, assessment centres, and final interviews. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Tailor Your Application: Focus on your strengths and experiences that are relevant to the company’s needs. Customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role. If you are applying for a graduate scheme that doesn’t ask for a CV or cover letter, ensure any examples you use on the application form are tailored to the question.
2. Prepare for Psychometric Tests: Many schemes use psychometric tests in the initial stages. The Careers Portal and Graduates First provide resources to help you practice and improve.
3. Practice Interviews and Assessments: Mock interviews and assessment centre practice are crucial. Use CareersConnect to book appointments with our Careers Advisers, who will tailor sessions to the specific types of questions and scenarios you’re likely to face.
4. Stay Informed on CSR: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly important. Use Windo to explore companies’ sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. This knowledge can help you align your values with your career goals and make a strong impression in interviews. For any large organisation, their annual shareholder reports will be available online and these are a great resource to get information on CSR and other specific factors about them.

Useful Resources for Graduate Schemes

To explore more about graduate schemes and top employers, consider these resources:

• Times Top 100: A comprehensive guide to the UK’s most sought-after graduate employers.
• Guardian 300: A list of top graduate employers based on student feedback.
• Prospects & Target Jobs: Career platforms that list graduate schemes and offer job-hunting resources.
• Gradcracker: The UK's careers website for STEM students.

Graduate training schemes are an excellent way to launch your career, and we are here to support you. Take advantage of CareersConnect and the Careers Portal for guidance and resources at every step. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to apply, we’re here to help you succeed.

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.