One of the great Northern cities, Manchester is a haven for graduates as it is a metropolis of opportunity with plenty of graduate programmes. Widely regarded as the ‘new London’ with more high-profile businesses moving operations to the city, it has been reported that presently the creative industry in Manchester is booming. Many graduates choose to live in the city centre as it is significantly cheaper than cities such as London, and you can find a space for yourself minutes away from your workplace. With beautiful architecture that can be seen from your desk to a renowned music scene to enjoy after a hard day at the office, Manchester is really a massive tapestry of diverse cultures and fascinating peopleTo help you get started, here are a few graduate programmes available in Manchester.

Bank of New York Mellon 

Industries: Investment/Banking/Operations 

Salary: competitive 

Commonly referred to as BNY Mellon, this bank is a multi-national Investment banking services holding company based in the United States. They are headquartered in New York; however, the UK headquarters are located conveniently in Manchester. This two-year programme will see graduates working as analysts immersing themselves in the bank’s operations sector. What’s required of you is a minimum cumulative G.P.A 2:1 in any degree and are eager to start their future careers. However, they recommended that your degree be related to these sectors: Data Science, Operations Management, Statistics, Analytics, Business, Accounting or Finance.  

KPMG Graduate Programmes

Industries: Business Consulting/Tax & Legal/Auditing 

KPMG Graduate Programmes
Source: Kpmg Uk Careers Instagram

Salary: competitive 

KPMG in the UK is part of the global network that offers audit, tax, consulting and deal advisory services. With their regional head office located in the Manchester city centre, there are several opportunities with this multinational company. Of course, a minimum of a 2:1 in a degree in any discipline is required but if that degree is business or economics centred it will be beneficial. To find out more about KPMG click here  

Thomas Cook Airlines 

Industries: Aviation/Management 

Thomas Cook Airlines 
Source: Wikipedia

Salary: competitive 

This charter airline founded in Manchester is a major player in travel planning and management. Founded in 2007, the company now has regional head offices in several countries including Germany, Denmark and Spain. As part of their graduate programmes, you will be assigned a mentor and given a comprehensive insight into the group airline organisation. Starting salary is competitive however the benefits are amazing, with travel compensation and flying allowances.   

Tesco Graduate Programmes

Industries: Retail/Management/Technology 

Salary: £28,000 

UK’s largest groceries and general merchandise retailer and the world’s third-largest retailer measured in gross revenue has several graduate programmes for you to choose from. With over 3000 outlets and retail stores across the UK, Tesco is constantly on the lookout for Graduates. With a required minimum G.P.A of 2:2 in any subject and a decent starting salary, there are several benefits of working for the company. Some of these benefits include bonuses, personalised pension programmes and insurance covers, and much more.  

Aldi Area Manager Graduate Programme

Industries: Retail/Management 

Aldi Area Manager Graduate Programme
Source: Aldi Recruitment

Salary: £44,000 – £77,800 

Similar to Tesco, Aldi too have their very own Management Graduate Trainee Programme. Widely regarded as the cheaper alternative to the aforementioned retailer, the benefits and starting salary would say otherwise. On top of bonuses, other benefits include a fully expensed Audi A4/BMW 3-Series and opportunities to travel the world, a health and lifestyle package. They state the reason why they pay such a “generous salary is because we need you to be confident, fearless and ready to take on any challenge.” In this 12-month graduate scheme, you will be trained and supported to manage and overlook three to four stores in your area. All that is required is a 2:2 G.P.A in any degree.  

Lloyds Banking Group 

Industries: Banking/Software Engineering 

Salary: £31,000 

This major British financial institution has a rich history and is a reputable name in the banking world. They are UK’s largest digital bank serving over 26 million customers as claimed on their website. As a member of their Software Graduate Scheme, you will play an active role in further improving their online banking systems while working on a diverse range of projects. “If you like playing around with code and are passionate about technology this 2year programme will be for you,” they say. It is also a great opportunity to further enhance your knowledge on Javascript, C#, Python. All that’s required of you is a grade higher than 2:2 in any degree and a passion for technology and coding. To find more graduate programmes with Lloyds Banking Group, click here 

E.Y Graduate Programmes

Industries: Business/Management/Technology 

Salary: competitive 

Ernst & Young Global Limited, commonly known as E.Y, is a multinational professional services network with headquarters in London. E.Y is one of the largest professional services networks in the world. Their Assurance teams analyse data behind their client’s businesses and help those companies and governments publish accurate financial data. Professional qualifications you will receive in your specialisation, depending on the graduate programmes, a level 7 Apprenticeship in accountancy and taxation (equivalent to a master’s degree). You will require a minimum 2:1 degree in any field, but preferably a degree related to business or accountancy. E.Y offers several other opportunities as well in their offices located across the UK. To see more opportunities with E.Y click here.  

ICAEW 

Industries: Accounting/Finance 

Salary: competitive 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales are offering a Graduate development programme in accountancy for those looking to further their career in this field. While gaining valuable insight into the industry, you will also have practical work experience. “Once you’ve qualified, the sky is the limit” their website reads. Depending on your chosen field the G.P.A requirement will vary however, the minimum requirement is two passes in you’re A/L. 

Barclays Graduate Programmes

Industries: Banking/Finance 

Barclays Graduate Programmes
Source: Search Jobs Barclays

Salary: competitive 

With applications opening in August of 2020 for positions in North West England, there has never been a better time to apply for the graduate scheme at Barclays. The two-year graduate scheme will see applicants dip their hands into different areas in business including Banking, Compliance and Finance. Barclays have advertised the programme as a challenging endeavour but with support and training at every step, you will be well on your way to a career with a reputable company. 

Higher Group Careers and Employment 

Industries: Human Resources/Staffing 

Salary: £20,000 – £35,000 a year 

This recruitment company are specialists in hiring professionals for other companies. They also act as career partners to recruitment professionals helping individuals identify their abilities to take their career to the next level. As a part of their graduate scheme, you will be part of that team. They state on their website that they “spend an unusual amount of time talking and thinking about recruitment.” To see other opportunities available in Manchester with Higher Group, click here. 

Industries: Fashion/Marketing/Advertising

Salary: competitive

Hollister Co. is a well recognised and extremely popular teen and young adult retail brand owned by Abercrombie & Fitch Co.  With their main headquarters based in Ohio, United States, the company are looking to expand their operations by conducting several programmes for UK graduates. Their linkedin profile reads ‘The Manager in Training program is a blended-learning, multi-week program. This program is focused on immersing new managers into all aspects of running a multi-million-dollar business. 

Industries: Consultancy/Recruitment

Salary: competitive

Amoria Bond is an up and coming multi-national recruitment and consultancy agency. Set up by former graduates from Manchester University with the vision and mission to be the best place for people to learn how to be the best in the industry they give graduates the best possible chance of success within their recruitment career. In addition to having headquarters in Manchester they also have operations in Cologne, Singapore and Amsterdam. They are hired by several top tier international companies, these include Nordex, Honda, Siemens, ABB and Biogen just to name a few. For more information click here.

Industries: Construction/Real Estate

Salary: competitive

Renaker is a leading, dynamic and forward-thinking real estate company based in Manchester City Centre. The company is responsible for some of Manchester city’s tallest skyscrapers including the looming Deansgate Square office complex. The company offers construction solutions and are looking to hire trainees and graduates to work in Operations, Engineering and Commercial departments. ‘You will be given the opportunity to work on our prestigious projects and will receive first-rate training and development to start off your career in construction.’ To find out more about this company click here.

Industries: Wealth Management/Consultants

Salary: competitive

St James Place is a company that deals in professional wealth management advise and investment. Based in London they have several other offices across the UK including Manchester. Their Rotational Graduate Programme is a three-year course that is focused on developing and training you. Graduates with a keen interest in a particular area of the business can join the company to start their career within a specialised field and study a qualification aligned to their area of expertise. To find out more about St. James Place click here.

Industries: Finance/Security

Salary: £24,000 – £30,000

Pareto Law are a leading sales recruitment agency in the UK, with several of offices across the country including Manchester. The company are always on the lookout for new graduates to work with their clients and partner companies. In this opportunity you will work with a client who is a leading, innovative provider within Financial Security in Manchester. Daily, they nullify risk in more than 600 million e-mails & 7 million mobile apps around the world. Clients of theirs include large global enterprises, universities and governments. However, if you are looking for other jobs there are several other opportunities advertised on their website.

Last Updated on July 11, 2024

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