Graduate placement schemes – what are they all about?

Ok, so you`re in your final year at uni and having to face the prospect of job hunting. No doubt you’re looking forward to having a little bit of extra cash in your pocket after being a student, but entering into the working world can be a pretty daunting task, especially if it’s your first professional job.

Many graduates find that they lack the relevant experience to apply for a job, or the line of work they want to go in to is highly competitive. This is where graduate placement schemes come in. A graduate placement scheme offers university graduates the opportunity to gain work experience in their chosen field for a set amount of time. To make life a little easier, expert recruitment companies such as STEM Graduates can help you with your job search and match you to a suitable graduate role.

If you’re looking to find out more about placement schemes, this simple guide should help.

Training and experience

With a graduate placement scheme, there will usually be a structured programme of training throughout the time that you spend with the company. Generally, trainees get to spend a bit of time working in a variety of areas to give them an real insight into how the business works. However, you may be given the chance to spend more time working in areas which you are particularly interested in, or an area which you wish to specialise in. The widespread experience that you get from a placement can put you one step ahead of someone else when it comes to applying for jobs. Often, employers are on the look out for candidates that have undertaken this type of training.

Being paid to train

Some graduate placement schemes will also pay you for your time spent with the company. This gives you the chance to earn some money while you train and gain experience for your next role. You should also be given the same rights as the other employees, including holiday and sick pay.

How to find graduate placement schemes

Companies who offer graduate placement schemes can be found in much the same way as other jobs. If there is a company that you really want to work for, have a look on their website and see if they offer any training schemes. You can then approach them by phone or email to find out more details.

Companies also advertise on graduate recruitment websites and are often present at careers fairs. However, some companies won’t advertise placement schemes, so it is always worthwhile getting in touch with the company and asking yourself.

To help you stand out during the application process and increase your chances of getting the job you want, a graduate placement scheme is a great option. Not only will you be gaining valuable experience to help you further your career, if you impress your employer, there may even be a long-term job available for you at the end of it.