Alternative Pathways into Graduate Employment and Management Schemes

Graduate Employment There are alternative pathways to achieving a graduate job that do not involve going to university straight from school and then applying for graduate schemes. Competition is tough and more young people are going to university resulting in more graduates than jobs as shown in a recent study. Many employers now offer School Leaver Programmes where they recruit young people directly from school and offer them a job. You are also sent to university or college to achieve industry recognised qualifications and often offered a permanent job at the end of the programme.

One of the big four accountancy and consultancy firms in the world. School leaver programme entry requirements: AABBB for Highers Or if you have one Advanced Higher you will need A at Advanced Higher and BBBC at Higher, Or if you have two Advanced Highers you will need AB at Advanced Higher and BBC at Higher What KPMG offer to school leavers: Join their Auditing team An Accounting degree from a top UK university Free accommodation Starting salary of £20000 (in London) Become a fully Charted Accountant with ICAS A full time job Applications open Autumn 2016 for Summer 2017 start https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/school-leavers/school-leaver-programme

Tesco is the third largest retailer in the world. School leaver programme entry requirements: 240 UCAS points (Three A’s at Higher OR 2 B’s and 3 C’s) National 5 Maths and English at National 5 grade C or above What TESCO offer to school leavers: Level 4 Commercial Apprenticeship (e.g. sourcing products to be sold in Tesco stores nationwide) 2 – 3 year development programme Expert Coach and Programme Partner offering mentoring £20000 salary A full time job Applications are open until December 2016 http://www.tesco-earlycareers.com/apprenticeships/

What Marks and Spencer offer to school leavers: Multinational retailer based in the UK. School leaver programme entry requirements: at least two A-levels (grade A-C) the drive and determination to apply yourself What Marks and Spencer offer to school leavers: £18k rising to £26k on appointment 28 days’ annual leave 20% discount on M&S purchases Competitive pension package Great discounts on everything from gym membership to cinema tickets, computer equipment to travel. Applications are open until December 2016 http://careers.marksandspencer.com/school-leavers

One of the big four accountancy and consultancy firms in the world. School leaver programme entry requirements: 280 UCAS tariff* * minimum requirements, plus a grade C or above in GCSE English Language or Mathematics (or equivalent) Equivalent to 3 A’s and 1 B or 2 A’s and 3 B’s What PWC offer to school leavers: Real client work and responsibility Earning from day one – a salary and flexible benefits package Professional study and qualifications – formal tuition and on-the-job coaching A route into a long term career – 2 years to reach the level of a grad joiner Applications open Autumn 2016 for Summer 2017 start http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/school-jobs/jobs.html

Career Progression

Other options… Balfour Beatty BAE Systems MAERSK Programme lasts between 3 and 6 years Roles include Quantity Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer http://www.balfourbeatty.com/careers/graduates-undergraduates-and-school-leavers/school-leavers/apprenticeships/higher/ BAE Systems Five year Project Control Foundation Scheme http://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/apprenticeships MAERSK Maersk Officer Education Programme Engineer Cadet Training http://www.maersk.com/en/the-maersk-group/career/maritime-education/maersk-officer-education-programme

School Leaver Programmes Offer an alternative to attending university and then applying for graduate programmes Enable young people to achieve industry recognised qualifications or degrees in some cases Secure valuable, fully paid, work experience with well known employers Secure permanent employment with the employer in most cases