Features: Retail graduate schemes

If you want to receive on-the-job training, an insight into the retail industry and a good salary then joining a graduate scheme is the path for you…

Offering a structured period of training and development, a graduate scheme usually lasts a minimum of a year. It could involve a series of placements in different departments across the company allowing you to see how the organisation works.

Alternatively, you could join a specific scheme, focusing on one area of the retail industry. For example John Lewis has schemes in management, buying, finance and merchandising.

Who can apply?

Entry requirements will vary with each company and often for each scheme within that company. It's important you find out exactly what is required and which scheme will suit your professional and personal qualities.

Common requirements are:

• minimum 2:1 degree in any subject;
• grade B in GCSE maths and English;
• to be geographically mobile.

'While enthusiasm, a passion for retail and a desire to learn is necessary in all graduate scheme candidates, there are certain qualities required for individual schemes,' says Carole Donaldson, manager, resourcing, John Lewis.

For the buying programme at John Lewis, candidates need to have a keen eye, creativity and an understanding of the customer base. While graduates on the merchandising scheme need to be analytical with strong planning skills and the ability to work well towards targets.

How do I apply?

The application process usually begins with a competency-based online form. You will be assessed on your ability to show skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem solving.

If successful at this stage it's likely you will have a telephone interview followed by a series of face to face interviews. You could also find yourself attending an assessment centre where, in addition to being interviewed, you could face group activities, role play exercises and presentations.

So, how can you make your application successful and stand out? Head of resourcing at Sainsbury's, Mel Worth believes that research is the key to being successful on a retail graduate scheme.

'It's always a good idea to speak to graduates who are currently on the scheme. If you contact the graduate recruitment team they should be happy to put you in touch with a current graduate as this shows you are proactive about finding out more. This will also give you an insight into what it's like to work for that organisation.'

What are the benefits?

A competitive starting salary is the attraction of a retail graduate scheme for many people. Salaries on the John Lewis graduate scheme start from £25,500 and those on the Sainsbury's 2020 Leaders Programme can expect a salary of £32,000.

Another benefit of joining a graduate scheme is the training that is offered both within the company and externally. You may even be able to gain a professional qualification while you work.

Some schemes such as the Sainsbury's 2020 Leaders Programme will provide graduates with a senior member of staff to mentor them. This is alongside a buddy, who is usually a graduate who has been on the scheme for a year and can advise on topics you may not wish to discuss with your mentor.

Graduate schemes are not always all work and no play. John Lewis provides graduates with a leisure learning subsidy where they can claim back half the costs of recognised non-vocational courses such as languages, arts or music.