After finishing university for many people the next step is trying to get onto a graduate scheme programme. But it can feel very overwhelming trying to find a scheme and company that you feel like will suit you best.
Finding the right scheme straight out of university is the dream for most. But many don’t know where to start looking for the right HR graduate scheme and company for them.
Almost every organisation has a HR department so there are many opportunities in this sector. But this also means it is highly competitive to get into. There is an overwhelming amount of information out there about HR graduate schemes and this too can be daunting.
Many HR graduate job schemes will put you onto rotations during your time there. This is to make sure that you can experience all the job role requires of you. There are many areas in which you’ll be trained in HR such as: Policy advisor, HR strategy, recruitment, polocity advisor and many other roles and areas.
These schemes aim to train and develop you and your skills, so that by the end of the scheme you will be able to join the company or go elsewhere fully qualified.
We’ve compiled a list of 25 companies that have HR graduate schemes, that will aid you in your search for your graduate job.
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#1: National Rail Network
Entry requirements: 2:2 in any degree
You’ll undertake a number of rotations throughout your scheme. Year 1 will be 3-4 month placements, with two 6 month placements in year 2 In year 3 you’ll be working in a real role whilst still “in development”. This will allow you to use all the knowledge you’ve gained in your first 2 years. The scheme is two years long and located in Milton Keynes.
#2: Ford
Entry requirements: A minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree or Masters degree or PhD
You’ll be building your HR competencies such as employee relations, operational HR and business support. You will build a deep knowledge of business imperatives and operational issues and have the opportunity to fully participate in the business and to become a valued advisor and coach.
Find out more about the human resources graduate scheme at Ford.
#3: Shell
Entry requirements: 2:2 in any degree
The Shell graduate programme is a three-year programme where you’ll be based on two job rotations. You will be put on teams as a part of real-time projects where you’ll be provided with the training and opportunities that will enable you to be a part of a highly competitive and global business.
#4: Virgin Media
Entry requirements: 2:2 in any degree.
The Virgin Media HR graduate scheme is two years with various rotations around the Business Partnering and Centre of Excellence team. During your time with Virgin Media, you will Employee Relations, Resourcing and Rewards. As well as this during your time at Virgin, you will learn the ins and outs of the company and everything their HR department is responsible for. Virgin has also been transparent with their graduate salary of £30,000 per year plus a £2,000 joining bonus and benefits. Find out more about graduate schemes at Virgin Media.
#5: NHS Graduate Schemes
Entry requirements: 2:2 in any degree. Degree equivalent qualifications are considered.
There are various graduate schemes available through the NHS, HR being one of them. The HR graduate scheme is for two years within various locations. Within this scheme you can expect to be trained in areas such as recruitment and selection. management, employment legislation, team building and performance management. The graduate scheme salary starts at £24,628 plus the Higher Cost of Living Allowance (where applicable) with benefits
#6: Boots
Entry requirements: 2:1 in any degree.
The programme lasts for two years and is based in Nottingham. On this programme you will get a well rounded view of HR and insight to helpful experiences.
You will start in a leadership role in one of their UK stores before going to the Nottingham support office where the HR training will begin. Training will include recruitment, learning and development, employee relations and reward.
The salary is £26,000 per year with a discretionary annual bonus based on performance.
#7: Civil Service Fast Stream
Entry requirements: Eligible to work within the UK and 2:2 or higher in any degree.
During your three years on the civil service fast stream HR scheme, you will be required to work in both strategic and operational HR across different regions. While experiencing different work cultures and environments across different regions.
While on the scheme your assignments will include employee relations, training and analysis, policy development and HR business partnering.
The salary for this scheme is £28K
#8: Bakkavor
Entry requirements: 2:2 honors degree and at least three months work experience.
The Bakkavor HR scheme is for two years, your role within the programme will be exposed to working within the HR competencies of; employee relations, resourcing, L&D, performance and talent management, employment law, rewards and management systems and HR analytics. After completing the scheme your aims will be towards working with the company as a trainee or junior business partner. The salary is not immediately available on the website. But it will be disclosed once starting the research for the scheme
#9: Barclays
Entry requirements: At least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
While on this graduate scheme you will be developing skills necessary to the HR work life. It is a two year rotational scheme where you’ll be working across the bank, while learning from senior members of both within HR and across Barclays. You will become an invaluable member of the Barclays team. While having access to further support at the end of the programme after the two years.
#10: Accenture
Entry requirements: 2:1 or higher, students in their final year on track to achieve a 2:1 or higher will also be considered. A HR-related degree/modules or relevant work experience. This scheme is also open to those of all nationalities, visit their visa policy
During this two year scheme, you will be based within London. During the rotation, you’ll be working within the team growing and developing your HR knowledge and experience both within the UK and internationally.
#11: Deloitte
Entry requirements: You will need to have obtained or be studying towards at least a 2:1 in any degree discipline, and have graduated by September 2021, as well as achieved at least 104 UCAS points (260 UCAS points pre-2017) for your A levels (or equivalent), at least a grade 4 (C) in English language and at least a grade 5 (B) in Maths in your GCSEs (or equivalent).
It’s a permanent job that gives you a market-leading salary, benefits and endless opportunities for learning, development and progression. You’ll work with clients from the start, on projects that have a genuine impact. You’ll be thinking and innovating with colleagues across the firm to solve fascinating problems.
There are many options out there for HR graduate schemes and now is the time to begin researching and applying for them
If you would like more help and bespoke advice on how to get onto your ideal graduate scheme, feel free to contact us for more information.
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