Graduate Schemes

While some companies recruit year-round, many graduate schemes open for applications in the summer with deadlines between September and November. It’s a good idea to apply as early as possible, as some organisations fill places on an ongoing basis and close once they're full. The larger the organisation, the earlier the application deadlines are likely to be.

To help you navigate this process, we've compiled some supportive information about graduate schemes, including a list of live opportunities with deadlines before the end of September, organised by job sectors.

 

What is a Graduate Scheme and what does it involve?

A graduate scheme is a structured training program run by employers to develop future leaders within their organisations. These programmes typically last between one and two years, though some may extend longer. Graduate schemes offer various specialisms, or streams, like finance, retail, marketing, HR, management, and law. While some employers focus on recent graduates, others welcome anyone with a degree.

These schemes might focus on specific roles or offer rotating placements across different business functions, teams, and possibly locations, requiring flexibility. As a graduate trainee, you'll be entrusted with responsibility from the start, gaining hands-on experience and a broad understanding of your chosen field. You'll also receive support to build key skills.

These programmes are highly sought after each year, especially those offered by prestigious companies in major industries. So, it's vital to ensure your application makes a lasting impression.

Where can I find out more about graduate schemes?

In the autumn term you can attend University of Birmingham Careers Fairs and employer events. There you can discover employers that resonate with you and chat with recent graduates about their experiences.

If there’s a specific company on your radar, don’t just stop at their website, you can follow them on social media. Engaging with recruiters through channels like Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram offers insights into their culture and values. Many share helpful advice about the application process too.

 

Please note that our list below isn't exhaustive. For more details about graduate schemes and live vacancies, visit Prospects and Bright Network.

At Careers Network, we ask employers to be transparent with their salary information, so we don't advertise roles that state ‘competitive’. This equips you with the knowledge you need for informed career decision making.

Live graduate schemes 

 

Charities and non-profit

Creative arts and performing arts

Engineering and manufacturing 

Environment and sustainability

Finance and consultancy 

Healthcare and psychology 

Heritage and culture

IT and computing 

  • Data Analytics - Digital Futures Group
    Digital Futures Group
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    Yorkshire and the Humber, England,West Midlands, England,East of England, England,London, England,South West, England
    United Kingdom
  • Data Engineering - Digital Futures Group
    Digital Futures Group
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    Yorkshire and the Humber, England,West Midlands, England,East of England, England,London, England,South West, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Data Analyst - Manchester - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    North West, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Digital Analyst – Manchester - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    North West, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Digital Analyst – London - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    London, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Software Tester – London - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    London, England
    United Kingdom
  • Business Analyst – Reading - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    South East, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Software Engineer - BAE Systems
    BAE Systems
    £30,000 to £34,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    North West, England,Yorkshire and the Humber, England,East of England, England,London, England,South East, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Business Analyst – Ipswich - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    East of England, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Electrical Engineer - BAE Systems
    BAE Systems
    £30,000 to £34,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    North West, England,South East, England,Central Lowlands, Scotland
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate DevOps Engineer - BAE Systems
    BAE Systems
    £30,000 to £34,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    South West, England
    United Kingdom
  • Data Consultant - Register Your Interest - Kubrick Group
    Kubrick Group
    £30,000 to £34,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    Across the UK
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Data Analyst - North West - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    North West, England,Yorkshire and the Humber, England
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Applications Developer - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    South East Wales,South West Wales
    United Kingdom
  • Graduate Data Consultant - London - Grayce
    Grayce
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    London, England
    United Kingdom
  • Systems Engineering Graduate - Frazer-Nash Consultancy
    Frazer-Nash Consultancy
    £30,000 to £34,999
    Mon 30 Jun 2025
    South West, England
    United Kingdom
  • Junior DevOps Engineer - Sparta Global
    Sparta Global
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Tue 01 Jul 2025
    North East, England,North West, England,Yorkshire and the Humber, England,East Midlands, England,West Midlands, England,London, England,South East, England,South West, England,North Wales,South East Wales,South West Wales,Highlands, Scotland,Central Lowlands, Scotland
    United Kingdom
  • Junior Data Consultant - Sparta Global
    Sparta Global
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Tue 01 Jul 2025
    North East, England,North West, England,Yorkshire and the Humber, England,East Midlands, England,West Midlands, England,London, England,South East, England,South East Wales,South West Wales,Central Lowlands, Scotland
    United Kingdom
  • Junior C# Automation Engineer - Sparta Global
    Sparta Global
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Tue 01 Jul 2025
    North East, England,North West, England,Yorkshire and the Humber, England,East Midlands, England,West Midlands, England,London, England,South East, England,South West, England,Central Lowlands, Scotland
    United Kingdom
  • Junior Java Software Developer - Sparta Global
    Sparta Global
    £25,000 to £29,999
    Tue 01 Jul 2025
    North East, England,North West, England,Yorkshire and the Humber, England,East Midlands, England,West Midlands, England,London, England,South East, England,South West, England,Central Lowlands, Scotland
    United Kingdom

Languages

Legal services

Marketing and sales 

Public sector and government 

Publishing, media & design

Science and pharmaceuticals

Sport, leisure & tourism

Teaching and academia 

 

Further support

Colleges

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