Latest news: Graduate jobs in retail

The UK’s most established retailers are creating more jobs than ever before, according to Ashridge Business School and the Institute of Leadership and Management. 31/08/2011

The research suggests that the influx of graduate trainee schemes is allowing graduates accelerated career progression.

Sainsbury’s recently relaunched its trainee manager scheme, with the company opening the programme to external candidates for the first time since 2009. The programme aims to prepare candidates with the skill set and experiences they need to kick-start their careers.

‘In just over a year the candidates will be running their own teams, making a difference to tens of thousands of customers each week. They are joining a business that will let them rise to the top,’ said Sainsbury’s head of resourcing, Jackie Hallums.

The John Lewis Partnership also puts emphasis on its training schemes, with programmes in retail, IT and buying and merchandising among others. Salaries start at £25,000, on top of the annual bonus offered to all employees.

John Lewis, who is currently ranked at number 11 in The Times Top 100 Graduate Retailers list, state that graduates can excel on their graduate scheme. The quality of candidates has remained consistent over the last few years and many now have more retail focused experience, further preparing them for roles in retail.

The survey also revealed that many graduates will take up jobs that they may not necessarily want. Thanks to the state of the economy 18% of graduates admit to having accepted ‘any jobs’, with 40% hoping to find a new job within a year.