As what could be considered the capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is a thriving student city with amazing nightlife and shopping. Leeds has multiple universities in its centre, including The University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Trinity University. As a consequence of the large number of students in the city, graduate job opportunities are in hot demand. However, we are here to help! Here are 20 graduate schemes in Leeds.
1. Dunelm
Industry: Retail Management
Salary: Competitive
Dunelm is a well-known brand, with stores located throughout the UK. Their Retail Management Graduate Programme, which is available to applicants in Leeds, is described as a “fast-track development programme” which will give participants all the skills and knowledge they need for a career in retail over the course of two years.
2. EY UK
Industry: Accountancy
Salary: Starting from £21,400 per annum (dependent on location)
EY UK is a popular graduate employer, and their Tax Graduate Programme is now available to graduates in Leeds. While in the role, you will be working with various different tax teams and building important relationships with clients for the duration of your contract (three years.) To apply, you must have GCSE’s in English and Maths, three A-Levels (or the equivalent) and an honours degree in any subject.
3. Agility Resourcing
Industry: Various
Salary: Competitive, plus bonuses
Agility Resourcing is a recruitment company who is working with several businesses in Leeds to find applicants for their graduate schemes. The companies are looking for graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in Business, Analysis, Finance or other related fields. Please click here to learn more about the positions available.
4. Mackenzie Stuart
Industry: Headhunting
Salary: £18,000-£22,000 (annual basic salary), plus commission
Are you looking to start your career with a position in the headhunting industry? Mackenzie Stuart is a unique firm which only recruits graduates, meaning that your future colleagues will have already been in your shoes. Their graduate scheme brings uncapped commission, on the job training and excellent potential for career progression.
5. Arriva UK
Industry: Transport Operations
Salary: Competitive
Arriva UK is looking for graduates for their Transport Operations Graduate Scheme with their bus department. During the 24 month long programme, you will be given an in-depth insight into the business through strategic rotations and will assist in various aspects of different departments. Arriva UK is looking for applicants with a 2:1 in a relevant degree discipline (preferably a Transport/Logistics related course.)
6. FDM
Industry: IT
Salary: Competitive
FDM are looking for talented graduates to join their Careers Programme as a Technical Operations Consultant. While taking part in the scheme, successful graduates will be managing the IT systems of various clients and using their skills and knowledge to resolve any problems that occur. Benefits of this position include quality training, good career progression opportunities and the chance to achieve extra qualifications.
7. Preston Baker
Industry: Various
Salary: Up to £24,000 per annum once training requirements are met
Preston Baker are currently searching for graduates who are wanting to start a career in the fields of Estate Agency, Lettings, Financial Services or Land & New Homes. Their Graduate Training Programme will see successful applicants be allocated to one or two of the Preston Baker businesses to secure 80 new properties to sell and 50 properties to rent in their first year.
8. COPTRZ Industry: Sales
Salary: £25,000 per annum, plus bonus
COPTRZ would like graduates to join their Internal Sales Executive Graduate Scheme where participants will work at selling drones to businesses via telephone and the internet. There are several essential skills needed for this position, with high levels of literacy and numeracy skills, energy and a can-do attitude being just a few.
9. Barnett Waddingham
Industry: Actuarial, Administration, Consultancy
Salary: Competitive
Barnett Waddingham is the UK’s largest independent provider of actuarial, administration and consultancy services. Their graduate programme will see participants undertake a rotation scheme where they will experience different areas of the business with the final goal of completing an FIA qualification. Positions with Barnett Waddingham require at least a 2:1 graded degree and at least an A in A-level Maths.
10. I-teachers
Industry: Education
Salary: £60-£70 per day
Have you recently graduated with a 2:1 or a 1st class Geography degree? Are you interested in a future career in education? I-teachers’ tailored programme will see graduates complete a one year placement as a Geography Graduate Teaching Assistant at a school in Leeds. You will work full-time hours Monday-Friday and will help with lesson planning and the delivery of teaching.
11. Teaching Personnel
Industry: Education
Salary: Up to £1200 per month
Teaching Personnel are also looking for graduates to take part in their Feature Teachers Programme ahead of the next academic year. The programme is for university graduates who are planning to undertake a teacher training programme in the future, but would like some experience as a teaching assistant first. This is a full-time position, lasting for nine months.
12. PwC
Industry: Various
Salary: Competitive
PwC is a multinational professional services company which has numerous programmes on offer for graduates in Leeds. These schemes range from the industries of Actuarial and Consulting to Technology and Tax, each coming with a host of extra benefits, training and career progression opportunities. Please click here to learn more about the roles on offer.
13. DPD Group
Industry: Management
Salary: Competitive
Could you see yourself pursuing a career in higher management? With the DPD Group 12-month Development Programme, you will learn the ropes of the business before being appointed to the role Shift Manager after you have successfully completed your first year. To be successful in your application, you must have achieved at least a 2:1 in your degree subject.
14. Lloyds Banking Group
Industry: Various
Salary: Competitive
Lloyds is one of the largest banks in the UK, and is also a big graduate employer. The company have eight different graduate programmes to choose from, with most having opportunities available in Leeds. Alongside a competitive starting salary, the company will also give graduates a £3,000 one-off bonus at the start of their programme and a 28-day holiday allowance.
15. Arrow Electrics
Industry: IT
Salary: Competitive
This graduate scheme is based in Harrogate, a short commute from Leeds. Arrow Electrics is looking for participants for their exciting programme, which will see graduates placed in a permanent IT Engineering role for 12 months. During this time, graduates will work on projects with colleagues both in the UK and in other countries in Europe.
16. French Selection UK
Industry: Management
Salary: £20,000-£30,000 per annum, plus bonus and benefits
Are you a fluent German speaker? Can you see yourself working in management? If so, you might be interested in this German Speaking Management Trainee Programme advertised by French Selection UK. Their client is looking for graduates to take on this two-year scheme, which will involve participants completing four six-month placements in the UK, Germany and North America.
17. Resurgo Trust
Industry: Charity
Salary: Competitive
The Resurgo Trust is currently searching for applicants for their Graduate Coach Training Programme, where graduates will join the trusts’ experienced team of coaches to empower unemployed 16-24 year-olds and encourage them into sustainable work or further education. The training programme lasts for one year and is advertised online as a part-time position.
18. Reckitt Benckiser
Industry: Marketing, Sales
Salary: Competitive
Reckitt Benckiser is a multinational consumer goods company which is currently looking for applicants for their Graduate Programme. Graduates will complete a 12-month Sales Placement, which will involve driving Net Revenue and Market Share in all categories across the company’s account portfolio. Please see their job advertisement for more information about the role.
19. Johnson & Johnson
Industry: Various
Salary: Competitive
Johnson & Johnson is a well-known, global brand which has various opportunities for graduates in the UK and in Leeds specifically. They have seven different graduate programmes for those with a Bachelors Degree, each ranging in duration and requiring different skill sets. Please click here to learn more about the opportunities available with the company.
20. Macquarie
Industry: Investment Banking
Salary: Competitive
Macquarie is an Australian multinational independent bank and financial services company. Their Graduate Programme operates in various locations, with some opportunities in Leeds. With Macquarie, graduates will embark on a structured 12-24 month long scheme starting in July each year. Applications for this position will open in September.
