Marks and Spencer has something to offer for everyone with their commitment to delivering excellent standards every day. [Read more…] about Marks and Spencer Graduate Scheme
Marks and Spencer Graduate Scheme
Last updated : 14 May 2019
FDM Group Grduate Scheme
Last updated : 18 January 2019
FDM Group provide IT development solutions to over 200 clients throughout the world and to date has trained more than 3,000 individuals in expert IT solutions and offer services such as Project Management Office & Analysis, Development, Testing, Application Support, Infrastructure and Training.
FDM Group is currently the UK’s largest graduate employer and is keen to address the balance of women in the IT industry. Figures suggest that only 16% of all British IT job seekers are women, and yet FDM boast a female majority within their management team.
In order to provide unique IT solutions for their clients worldwide from their offices in UK, USA, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland, FDM recruit IT graduates to work with them as IT Consultants on two-year graduate schemes at their FDM Academy. If you’re interested in a role, visit their website at http://www.fdmacademy.com/ for more information. As well as company and graduate programme information there are even hints and tips about how to improve your CV writing skills.
Applications are considered throughout the year, and vacancies are advertised on their FDM Academy graduate website.
As an FDM graduate you can choose to specialise in:
– Java Development
– .Net Development
– Testing
– Project Analysis
– Infrastructure
– Application Support
What is the recruitment process?
To apply to the FDM Group Graduate Programme you will need to complete the online application form and attach your current CV which should take just a matter of minutes.
If you are considered eligible you will be asked to attend an Assessment and Interview Session. This will include you being observed undertaking group and individual tasks as well as a one-to-one interview. Make sure you wear smart clothes.
FDM endeavour to let you know as soon as possible if you have been successful, and you are likely to have some feedback within 28 days of attending the Assessment Centre.
What do I need to apply?
If you’re interested in a place at the FDM Academy then you will ideally have an IT related degree or background, although subjects such as maths, physics and engineering may also be considered.
You should be geographically flexible.
If you’re interested in an international opportunity you will also need to be bilingual.
Morrisons Graduate Scheme
Last updated : 18 January 2019
Morrisons was originally an egg and butter family run merchant to becoming the UKs fourth largest supermarket group. The organisation also owns abattoirs, fruit and vegetable pack houses, meat and cheese processing plants and bakeries assisting in the supermarket’s goal – to be the food specialist for everyone.
Morrisons currently employ over 117,000 staff and serve 10 million customers every week across the UK.
There are 12 different Graduate Programmes available, which are recruited for throughout the year, so there is bound to be something which will interest you:
– Finance
– IT
– Logistics
– Manufacturing
– Marketing
– Merchandising
– Personnel & Training
– Property & Development
– Retail Operations
– Supply Chain
– Trading
– Trading Technical
Morrisons have also teamed up with University of Bradford to develop an undergraduate scheme if you have at least 280 UCAS points from 3 A-Levels you may be eligible for a Foundation Degree in Retail Leadership and Management. You can study for this course whilst working full time at Morrisons and the company will cover all tuition fees.
What is the recruitment process?
You can search for current Graduate vacancies, find out more about the position and apply online via the Morrisons career website https://www.morrisons.jobs/early-careers/graduates.
The first stage is to complete the online questionnaire, attach your current CV and submit directly to the company.
If you are considered suitable you will be contacted to arrange a telephone interview where you’ll be asked various competency-based questions about your background and work history.
If you pass the telephone interview you will be asked to attend an Assessment Centre to observe you carrying out a variety of individual and group based tasks whilst under observation. You may also be asked to produce a presentation.
If you have been selected, Morrisons will endeavour to let you know as soon as possible.
What do I need to apply?
You will need to have, or expect to receive, at least a 2:1 degree in a suitable course, plus grades above C at GCSE.
About
Our graduates are our future business leaders. So our many different graduate schemes will provide you with the skills, experiences and personal qualities you need to be a big success. Supported every step of the way by a buddy, mentor and our managers, you’ll take on new responsibilities from the very start and be given the chance to manage teams and projects. Doing the right thing for our customers and colleagues is what drives us, whatever scheme you’re applying for.
Santander Graduate Scheme
Last updated : 18 January 2019
Santander currently has 25 million customers throughout the world from 1400 branches employing 23,000 people across the UK. There are three distinct sectors to their organisation: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Global Banking and Private Banking.
The size of the organisation means that at Santander you have the opportunity to take your career anywhere! And with 12 different Graduate Programmes to choose from there’s bound to be something that suits you:
– Banking Operations Support
– Corporate Banking
– Finance
– Global Banking & Markets
– Global Banking Operations
– HR
– Internal Audit
– Marketing
– Operations
– Retail Management Programme
– Risk
– Telephone Distribution
The majority of courses are held all across the UK and Santander will endeavour to place you in your preferred location, but you may need to be flexible. Further details can be found on the Santander graduate website https://www.santanderjobs.co.uk/realiseyourfuture/graduates.php.
What is the recruitment process?
Once you have decided which graduate scheme is right for you, you can apply directly to Santander via their careers website http://www.santanderukgraduates.com/#/#apply
The initial application form should take 10-15 minutes to complete which is primarily to confirm that you are eligible to apply. You will need to attach your CV and covering letter to the form, and your application will be checked for spelling and grammar, so get it right!
If you are suitable you’ll be asked complete some online tests which check your numerical and verbal skills which will take 20-30 minutes.
Once you have passed these tests, you will be contacted to arrange a telephone interview. This is to get a better understanding of your history and acquired skills. The questions will be competency-based, asking you about a time when you have demonstrated a specific skill or dealt with a certain problem.
Pass this and you will be asked to attend the Santander Assessment Centre where you will complete a number of individual and group exercises while you are being observed. You may even be asked to give a presentation.
If you have been successful at the Assessment Centre you will probably be asked to attend a final individual interview.
What can I expect?
The courses are generally 2 years long, and in addition to the very competitive starting salary you can also expect: discounted health insurance, life assurance, at least 25 days holiday, discounted car scheme and special rates on Santander UK financial products and access to other retail discounts.
What do I need to apply?
In order to be considered a suitable candidate you must have, or be expecting to receive a minimum of 2:1 degree in a suitable degree which in the majority of cases will usually include maths or numerical content, for example Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Technology (IT).
About
Our Graduate schemes provide everything you need to get your career off to an incredible start. The real, live projects you’ll be involved in will not only provide you with valuable experience but also contribute towards our purpose of helping people and businesses prosper.
Tesco Graduate Scheme
Last updated : 18 January 2019
Tesco has developed their Graduate Scheme over many years now and it has become a well-recognised accomplishment throughout the retail sector. As the company has grown, the variety of roles and challenges offered by Tesco has also increased creating the ideal environment for career growth.
Tesco offer a staggering 20 different Graduate Programmes, from Tesco Store Management Scheme, Pharmacy Programmes, Optometry Programmes, Office Programmes, or Distribution Management Programmes so there’s bound to be something which inspires and challenges you.
The majority of courses commence in September, although many applications close in the preceding January so make sure you get in early! Some of the Tesco Graduate Schemes are run on a quarterly basis, such as Product Technology.
There are also some International Graduate Schemes offered in Europe and Asia. Tesco are currently very keen to expand their success in China and offer a fast-track China Graduate Programme (including 6-9 month placement in the UK) for interested individuals.
Tesco Graduate Recruitment Process
In order to apply for the Graduate Schemes you will need to complete the online application via the Tesco Graduate website http://www.tesco-graduates.com. You will also have an opportunity to upload your current CV and a covering letter so make sure you have these updated and ready.
If you are considered a possible candidate for the role, you will be contacted to arrange a telephone interview. The telephone interview is an efficient way for both you and Tesco to confirm whether you are a suitable candidate for further progression through the selection process. After all you wouldn’t want to waste your time attending further interviews if you didn’t have the required skills or qualifications before you started! Make sure that you arrange the telephone interview for a time when you can really focus on the questions without distractions, and have your current CV handy, with perhaps some notes to jog your memory of your achievements or times when you have excelled.
If you are successful at the telephone interview stage, you will be contacted, usually by email, to undertake some online psychometric tests to confirm you are the sort of person the store are looking to recruit.
Successful candidates may then be asked to attend a store for Work Sampling. You will usually shadow a manager either in a store or depot throughout the day to better understand what sort of tasks you will be doing once you are fully trained, and for the employer to ensure you are a suitable candidate.
The final hurdle is the Assessment Centre. During the Assessment Centre you will be asked to carry out tasks, both individually and as a group, while under observation. The process will usually also include individual interviews.
What should I expect?
If you have been enrolled on a Tesco Graduate Scheme you can usually expect to complete the programme within 12-24 months depending on the role and size of the store, with the ultimate goal of fulfilling the position within 3-5 years as your experience in the firm grows and vacancies become available.
What do I need to apply?
In order to apply to a Tesco Graduate Programme you will need at least a 2.1 score in a suitable degree, at least 240 UCAS points (although some courses demand higher) and you must have the right to work in the UK. Further information of suitability for each programme is provided on the Tesco Graduate website.
Wilkinsons Graduate Scheme
Wilkinsons Graduate Scheme are available in four excellent shapes so there’s bound to be something which inspires and challenges you!
Wilkinsons currently turn over £1 Billion per year and employ thousands of staff across the UK.
Graduates are recruited in the latter part of the year, with applications closing in January. The courses commence in April and each programme lasts 18 months. Programmes include:
– Web Marketing
– Brand Development
– Visual Merchandising
– ICT
Web Marketing graduates will have the opportunity to join and contribute to the online team who offer extended product range to customers through the wilkinsonsdirect.com website.
Brand Development Programme will put graduates in the position be part of the team that ‘guards’ the Wilkinsons brand by ensuring the logo, colour palette, icons are used effectively, and performing trials for new initiatives and products.
The Visual Merchandising team implements what has been identified by the Brand Development team and use visual marketing strategies, and build effective relationships with design and production agencies.
ICT team manages and maintains programmes and projects, infrastructure, data applications etc. And this is an exciting time for Wilkinsons as they make ambitious changes.
What’s the Application Process?
Submit an online application via the Wilkinsons Graduate website, where you will have an opportunity to upload your CV and covering letter. Applications open toward the end of the year and close in January
You’ll then be asked to take a telephone interview to ensure you are the sort of candidate which Wilkinsons are looking to recruit. Make sure you have a copy of your current CV handy to refer to, and some notes detailing why you are keen to be part of this exciting team!
For successful candidates there will be an opportunity for a Taster Day at Head Office in Worksop so that you have a chance to meet the people you may be working for and better understand the company and roles you are applying for.
There will then be an Assessment or Selection Centre held at Head Office which is usually completed in February or March where you’ll be asked to carry out a number of group and individual tasks during observation. There will also be basic psychometric tests and individual interviews during the day.
What do I need to Apply?
Wilkinsons demand that their graduates achieve at least a 2:1 degree in a subject suitable to the course, plus a full UK driving licence and your own transport. You can find out more at the Wilkinsons Graduate website http://wilkograduates.co.uk/.
Sainsburys Graduate Scheme
Sainsbury’s Graduate Schemes are an excellent way to jump start your career into a well-respected retail company that currently employ over 150,000 people and has 900 stores.
Sainsbury’s have labelled their Graduate Scheme the 2020 Leaders Programme and has three options depending on your skills and preferences:
– Commercial
– Operations
– People
Sainsbury’s tend to recruit their graduates in the early part of the year, and commence their graduate schemes in August, where you can expect to complete the programmes within 2-3 years and apply for suitable managerial positions within 3-5 years of starting.
The Commercial Programme gives you an understanding of the product process within the company from Buying right through to the Marketing where the first year of the course is within the Store Support Centre, and the second year will be acting as a manager developing your people management skills and your personal leadership style.
The Operations Programme makes sense of the Stores and Logistics operations undertaken throughout the stores. The training process is broken down into two distinct phases – shadowing Managers and working in large supermarkets, Sainsbury’s Local and in the Logistics team. The second phase is acting as Deputy Store Manager. You can expect to be working as Store Manager or similar within a matter of years, depending on your progress and available vacancies.
The People Programme you will carry out placements in Human Resources, Customer Service, Communications or Corporate Responsibility. These are the teams that ensure that either employees or customers have an excellent experience. The second year gives you experience as either HR Manager or Customer Service Manager to develop your managerial skills.
What is the recruitment process?
The first stage is to complete a series of questionnaires which will probably take from 1½ to 2 hours to complete. If you are suitable you will then be redirected to further ability and reasoning tests which will take 20 minutes each to complete.
You will then be contacted to arrange a telephone interview at a suitable time. This will be your opportunity to demonstrate how keen you are for the role.
If you are considered a suitable candidate you will then be asked to complete a further online personality questionnaire to ensure you are the sort of person that will fit well into the team.
The final step is to complete the Assessment Centre which will last one and half days. You can expect to undertake a number of tasks both as a group and individually. There will also be an individual interview to attend where you will meet managers who are carrying out the roles you wish to eventually fulfil.
What do I need to apply?
In order to apply any of the Sainsbury’s Graduate Schemes you will need to have a 2.1 degree in a suitable course, plus as least 1 x A and 2 x Bs at A Level plus at least B in Maths and English at GCSE.
Lidl Graduate Scheme
Lidl Graduate Scheme is a two year course providing opportunities for career development into Store Management, District Management, Buying and International opportunities.
Lidl first opened during the 1970s in Germany and within a decade the company was a household name across the county. Today the organisation has expanded so that there is now a Lidl store in almost every European country, including over 580 stores across the UK.
Lidl in the UK still has a strong link with their German arm and therefore higher level management, buyers and operations staff will have a significant advantage if they are fluent in both English and German.
Graduate Area / District Management Programme will see your first 6-9 months on a placement with real hands-on experience within the stores, leading to you managing your own store by the end of this period. You will then shadow an existing District Manager for the remainder of the programme.
Graduate Buying Opportunity Programme is based at the Lidl UK Stores Head Office in Wimbledon. After a short introductory period working within a store, you will deputise a Senior Buying Manager doing a wide range of tasks and liaising with all aspects of buying.
Graduate Store Manager Programme gives you all the management and leadership skills you will require to be a confident manager within the retail sector within 3-5 years depending on vacancies.
Graduate International Opportunities Programme is a total of 2 years and includes a 3 month secondment in a European store and insight into the four key aspects of their business: Purchasing; IT; Administration; and Central Services.
What is the recruitment process?
Search for current Graduate training opportunities on the Lidl careers website http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/4034.htm where you can also learn more about the company. Once you have found a suitable programme, complete the questionnaire online via their website where you will also be asked to upload your CV and covering letter.
If your application was successful you will be asked to complete a further psychometric questionnaire to determine that your personality is likely to fit in well within the team.
The third stage is a telephone interview – you will be contacted to agree a convenient time and date for a telephone interview to ensure you are the sort of candidate Lidl are looking to recruit.
If you are successful at the third stage you will be asked to attend a Recruitment Session which will usually last for the entire day, when you will be asked to complete a number of group and individual tasks whilst under observation. There will also be individual interviews to further discuss your background and give you the opportunity to ask questions about the position.
What should I expect?
The two year programmes are challenging, but are well recognised in the industry as giving you the essential managerial and communication skills to succeed in retail!
Whilst you’re training you can expect to earn a starting salary of £33k rising to possibly £53k within 3 years.
What do I need to apply?
For most of the Graduate Schemes you will require a 2:1 degree in a suitable course, and being fluent in English and German is required in the Buying and International programmes. Further details are available at the Lidl careers website.
Lloyds TSB Graduate Scheme
Lloyds TSB are part of the Lloyds Banking Group recruit many of their managers through their Graduate Leadership Programmes.
The organisations goal is for each of their brands, Lloyds TSB, Bank of Scotland and Halifax, to be the best banks for their customers, and Scottish Widows to sustain their position offering a leading range of insurance and investment products.
The applications close at the end of the year, so make sure you get your applications in within plenty of time, and courses commence in September.
The Graduate Schemes are two years long and include a variety of challenges and the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills in leading teams as well as the technical skills you’ll need to complete the tasks. The available programmes include:
– Corporate Markets – provides you with hands-on experience in Capital Markets, Structured Finance and derivatives.
– Finance – receive exposure to business areas and opportunities.
– Business Technology – develop your understanding of improving technical and service whilst increasing your commercial awareness and leadership.
– Human Resources – gives you the chance to extend your commercial knowledge and leadership skills whilst working towards professional CIPD qualifications.
– General Management – you’ll be exposed to a range of different business environments to challenge you and provide you with the necessary skills you will need to lead teams.
What is the recruitment process?
If you think that a graduate scheme for Lloyds would be a good career move for you, then it may be worth completing the Lloyds Self Selection tool http://www.lloydsbankinggrouptalent.com/ which gives you an indication of whether you will be suitable in just 5-10 minutes.
If you consider one of the Graduate Programmes are suitable to you, apply via the online application process which will take 15-20 minutes to complete. Questions refer to you previous work experience, capabilities, knowledge and why you think you would be a suitable candidate.
You will then be redirected to complete a psychometric test online which is aimed at better understanding how you behave in circumstances, and therefore predicting how you will respond in the Lloyds environment.
If your application and psychometric tests prove successful, you will be contacted to arrange a telephone interview so the HR team can get a better knowledge of your background and further discuss why you would like to join the Lloyds team.
The final step is to attend the Assessment Centre where candidates complete a range of tasks whilst being observed. The tasks are both individual and group exercises, as well as a competency based interview where the questions refer to how you have reacted in previous circumstances.
What do I need to apply?
You will need to have a minimum of a 2:1 degree in a relevant course, plus 300 UCAS points from three A-levels. (Business Technology Leadership Programme requires only 260 UCAS points at application).
You will also need to be prepared to travel throughout the UK as the courses are undertaken nationwide in different cities.
Share your experience of graduate schemes.
There is a lot of information out there about graduate schemes, but what about your own, specific stories about what you have been through?
I have a friend who started an M&S Graduate Scheme in 2008 and is now a store manager on a fantastic wage; so there are definitely chances out there for you. I look forward to hearing your stories.