UK Graduate Vacancies in 2020

The UK’s market of the job after graduation in 2020 will be broader than it was in the previous years. According to the latest reports of High Fliers Research, there are three percent more vacancies for graduates as compared to 2019.

Many leading employers in the UK discover the benefits of graduate schemes and how one can plan their next year’s intake. There is the most significant growth in recruitment targets of banking and finance16%, charity 14.1 %, and oil/energy 12.6%. On the other side, the growth graph moves downwards by 6.6% in industries/engineering, 5.1% chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and 2.8% investment banking.

However, securing work sponsorship in the UK after graduation can be difficult. Since 2012 the UK changed its time limit for international graduate students who want to work visas from two years to four months. According to a report by the UK Council for International Student Affairs, around 70% of students that are more than 450,000 students who studied in the UK were from non-European countries. While in recent years, the UK has experienced moderate growth in the enrolment of international students.

Between 2015-16 and 2016-17, the enrolment of international students increased by 1.7% in higher education institutions. Additionally, the undergraduate or “first-degree” program increased by 2.4%, which is modest growth.

Job Vacancies for Graduates

The graduate market in 2018 reported that the UK’s top employers cut back on their graduate recruitment in 2017. It was the most significant annual decrease in graduate recruitment and vacancies since the recession in 2008-09.

The number of graduate vacancies in the UK’s leading companies in 2019, compared to 2018, increased by 9.1 percent. As the public sector planning, 5,594 and technology industry planned 2,044 graduate vacancies in 2020. Similarly below graph shows other sectors’ graduate vacancies in 2020.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are the highest proportions of overeducated workers in London. Since they are 25% overqualified for their job, it is due to the high percentage of migrant workers.

As compared to the US, you can get sponsorship and visa easily and quickly. Interestingly enough, there are a lot of scientists and professional engineers. If you have a degree in neurophysiology, oil gas, aerospace engineering skills, or geology, then you are desperately needed in the UK However, there is a shortage of chefs in the United Kingdom.

Which Companies Run Graduate Schemes?

You have numerous options available with graduation schemes when it comes to choosing an employer:

·     Human Resources (HR)

Many reputed organizations like Tesco, BP, KPMG, or PwC need graduates to work in their department. Since the organization in any department needs HR professionals, whether for a financial services company, career in healthcare, or any pharmaceutical company.

·     Finance

Finance specialists are also in demand in major banks like Barclays, the Lloyds Banking Group, and HSBC. Most of the typical graduate schemes include:

• Accountancy
• Banking
• Finance
• Insurance

Organizations like Barclays, HSBC, Ernst & Young, PwC, and many others often hold open days to give students an insight into what a career can be like there. Graduate schemes usually last between 1-3 years.

·     Marketing/ Media

Another option that you have is that you could work as a broadcaster through the graduation schemes of BBC, Sky, and Virgin Media. This type of graduation scheme can provide high-level training and support needed to develop your skills. 

They also include public relations graduation schemes (PR). Some top UK agencies hire graduates like Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, M&C Saatchi and Publicis Worldwide UK.

·     Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology is another popular career destination for graduates. Some IT and telecommunication companies such as Microsoft, Google, BT, and EE recruit graduates in technical and sales-based roles. It is advisable to consider areas where your professional skills and qualifications are best suited.

·     Transport

British Airways (BA) and EasyJet recruit graduates for their financial, commercial, and IT support. Similarly, you can consider a career in the railways and road transport department. There is a particularly high demand for those with a civil engineering degree in the UK.

Note that it is advisable to apply as soon as possible, as some organizations fill places on an ongoing basis and also close more quickly when they are full.