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overview of graduate schemes

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What is a graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme is a training programme which provides recent graduates with hands-on practical experience with a company, giving them a head-start into the working world. It involves a very structured training period. You have the potential to take on a few different roles and placements in different areas of the company during your time there.

When do graduate schemes start?

Starting dates vary from company to company but often the application process for a graduate scheme begins in September of your final year. The start dates then for the successful candidates are usually the following September.

How long does a graduate scheme last?

A graduate scheme programme usually lasts one to possibly three years and will involve a series of placements and rotations within the company, giving you the chance to explore which direction you might want to pursue in your future career.

Why do a graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme can serve as a great entry-level position for recent graduates. It can also serve as a valuable experience that will help you decide which career path is right for you. Also, graduate schemes often offer training, personal development and mentorship, so you will benefit from the ability to quickly progress onto higher roles within a company. You also communicate with people at different positions which will help you build a good network and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of others.

Who can do a graduate scheme?

Graduate schemes are mostly suitable for graduates. Different companies look for different criteria. Most commonly, companies look for graduates with a 2.1 or higher, but some consider applicants with a 2.2 grade point average given that they are able to back up their skills with extracurricular activities or other valuable experiences.

Types of graduate schemes

There are multiple types of graduate schemes, in various different sectors for graduates to choose from. Organisations adjust their programmes to the needs of their graduate and of their organisation. Popular types of graduate schemes are HR graduate schemes, marketing graduate schemes, and finance graduate schemes. We have them all on Magnet.me so check them out.

Most popular companies that offer a graduate scheme:

  1. NHS graduate schemes and other jobs
  2. Aldi graduate schemes and other jobs
  3. Barclays graduate schemes and other jobs
  4. MI5 graduate schemes and other jobs
  5. HSBC graduate schemes and other jobs

Related articles:

  1. Graduate jobs vs. graduate schemes
  2. 7 most commonly asked questions about graduate schemes
  3. When to look for a graduate job or an internship?
  4. How to choose a company to work for after graduating
  5. Graduating with a 2.2 degree? Now what.
  1. Logo CRH
    CRH
    Construction
    8,346 employees
    Finance Graduate - Europe
    Amsterdam, NLDeadline: 1 September 2025
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 3 years experience
    • HBO or WO bachelor
    • 01/09/2025
  2. Logo Arcadis
    Arcadis
    Engineering
    36,000 employees
    Graduate Process Engineer
    Amersfoort, NLDeadline: 13 April 2025
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 1 year experience
    • WO
  3. Your career starts on Magnet.me

    Create a profile and receive smart job recommendations based on your liked jobs.

  4. Logo Picnic
    Picnic
    FMCG
    20,000 employees
    Commercial Graduate
    Amsterdam, NL
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 1 year experience
    • HBO or WO master
  5. Logo Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
    Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
    Healthcare
    12 employees
    AIOS Klinische Geriatrie UMCG en Frisius MC
    Groningen, NLDeadline: 28 April 2025
    • €4,354 - €5,997 per month
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 5 years experience
    • WO bachelor
  6. Logo GKN Aerospace
    GKN Aerospace
    Engineering
    1,000 employees
    Melrose GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Program (Management)
    Papendrecht, NLDeadline: in 4 days
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 1 year experience
    • HBO or WO master
  7. Logo BYD Europe
    BYD Europe
    Automotive
    200,000 employees
    Warranty Specialist - Graduate Scheme
    Hoofddorp, NL
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 2 years experience
    • HBO or WO
  8. Logo BYD Europe
    BYD Europe
    Automotive
    200,000 employees
    Quality Program Engineer - Graduate Scheme
    Hoofddorp, NL
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 2 years experience
    • HBO or WO
  9. Logo Hilti
    Hilti
    Construction
    33,000 employees
    Hilti Graduate Programme
    Berkel en Rodenrijs, NLDeadline: 18 April 2025
    • £31,000 per year
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 2 years experience
    • HBO or WO
    • 01/09/2025
  10. Logo Shell
    Shell
    Energy
    90,000 employees
    Shell Graduate Programme 2025 – Netherlands
    Work from homeDeadline: 1 November 2025
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 3 years experience
    • WO master
    • 01/11/2025
  11. Logo BYD Europe
    BYD Europe
    Automotive
    200,000 employees
    Training Support Specialist
    Hoofddorp, NL
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 2 years experience
    • WO
  12. Logo BYD Europe
    BYD Europe
    Automotive
    200,000 employees
    Technical Support Engineer
    Hoofddorp, NL
    • Graduate Scheme
    • 0 - 7 years experience
    • WO
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