Who are the best graduate employers in the UK and what makes them so special? We take an in-depth look at what makes them stand out from the crowd so you can learn how to be a more competitive employer in today’s job market.
Who Are The Best Graduate Employers 2024?
The Times recently published its list of the Top 100 Graduate Employers 2023-2024. And while the top 5 haven’t changed, their positions within the top 5 have.
We’ll examine each of these top 5 employers and discuss what makes them stand out to graduates in this competitive job market.
1. PwC (up from 3rd)
PwC has made a big jump this year from 3rd place up to 1st, knocking the Civil Service off the top spot. But what has happened in the past couple of years that’s helped PwC top the charts? Well, it could be due to several reasons.
For instance, after ranking in 3rd place in 2022, PwC ramped up their university visits to boost the number of recruits they received in the coming years
They also announced small pay rises for their employees in 2023 amidst uncertain times, showing their commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being.
Other reasons might include the diverse range of opportunities on offer at PwC for graduates. They accept any degree as a minimum requirement and offer career paths in consulting, legal, management, auditing, tax, risk, and technology.
PwC also offers a graduate programme that gives graduates the chance to experience different business areas while they train for the Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business. This gives them a clear idea of their options before choosing what to specialise in.
2. Civil Service (down from 1st)
For the first time in four years, the Civil Service has been knocked off the top spot on the Times’s list of the best UK graduate employers.
Several factors seem to have been at play here, but freezing recruitment in 2023 was most likely the main cause.
Other factors appear to include the cost of rent/housing versus the salary offered by the Civil Service and a reduction in training opportunities.
The thing is, the Civil Service has always been praised for being a great place to work. It’s also a Disability Confident Leader Employer and recognised on the Social Mobility Employer Index, making it a diverse and inclusive place for graduates to start their career paths.
Furthermore, the civil service Fast Stream programme offers talented graduates the chance to become future Civil Service leaders. It offers a choice of 15 different leadership and specialist development schemes, all providing on-the-job coaching, a career path, and the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification.
3. NHS (down from 2nd)
Similarly to the Civil Service, the NHS has been knocked down a spot in the rankings from 2nd to 3rd place. And while the NHS may be the biggest employer in Europe, with an annual budget of over £160 billion, it’s suffered a blow in recent years.
Since the pandemic, the NHS struggled to get back on its feet. Almost 75% of staff are struggling with their mental health. Massive staff shortages mean that only a third of shifts have enough nurses on duty and, as a result, the NHS has spent £10 billion on temporary staff.
But, despite all of this, there are many things that the NHS does right. They have an impressive (and highly competitive) graduate scheme; the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme.
The NHS scheme offers trainees development in specialisations like finance, policy, human resources, and management. They work in various NHS organisations to gain experience and field knowledge. Although fast-paced and challenging, it provides an excellent start for graduates seeking career growth.
Graduates are enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme and can access the NHS Employee Assistance Programme and the Cycle2Work scheme. After completing the scheme, the average starting salary for graduates in their first NHS role is £40,000.
4. Deloitte (no change)
In 4th place, once again, is another one of the Big 4 accounting firms, Deloitte. So, what has kept Deloitte as one of the top UK graduate employers? And why haven’t they gone up in the rankings?
Well, Deloitte offer graduates a wide range of opportunities and early career options. From entry-level apprenticeship schemes to industrial placements to graduate programmes, there are plenty of opportunities to kickstart a career at Deloitte.
Deloitte’s graduate programme offers trainees a chance to build valuable work experience and gain a qualification at the same time. Since Deloitte is such a large organisation, there are opportunities across various industries. These include consumer, business, financial services, technology, media, and energy. Therefore, graduates from all walks of life can find a place.
One of the reasons they may not have been bumped up the ranks could come down to competition with the number 1 spot, PwC. Deloitte also cut half its executive team in 2022, which could have had a knock-on effect on graduate recruitment.
5. Google (no change)
Sticking to the 5th position on the list is search engine giant Google.
Known for its innovation, Google is a top graduate employer in the UK. It offers a range of internships and graduate programmes to develop future leaders, with career paths in consulting, engineering, human resources, marketing, sales, and technology. Graduates can work globally and Google promotes diversity and inclusion, valuing problem-solving skills and talent over specific qualifications.
But, why hasn’t Google moved up the ranks at all? It’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason as the company hires all year round. However, they have recently been forced to quadruple their tax bill in the UK. This, coupled with EU threats to break up its $200 billion ad business, may have affected Google’s graduate employment strategy.
How Employers Can Stand Out in a Competitive Market
So, what can we learn from the top 5 graduate employers? Attracting top graduate talent requires more than just offering a good salary. The leading graduate employers in the UK demonstrate that a comprehensive approach is essential.
Here are key strategies that employers can adopt to stand out:
Enhanced recruitment efforts
PwC’s rise to the top spot was partly due to ramped-up university visits, increasing their visibility and appeal among students. Employers should actively engage with universities through career fairs, workshops, and presentations to attract potential candidates early.
Competitive compensation and benefits
PwC’s pay rises and the NHS’s comprehensive benefits, such as the NHS Pension Scheme and the Employee Assistance Programme, highlight the importance of a competitive compensation package. Offering benefits and clear paths for salary increases can significantly boost an employer’s attractiveness.
Diverse opportunities and career paths
Organisations like PwC and Deloitte offer a broad range of career paths and specialisations, making them appealing to graduates with diverse interests and backgrounds. Employers should provide varied opportunities within the company to cater to different career aspirations.
Professional development and training
All of the top 5 graduate employers provide structured graduate schemes with clear training and professional development opportunities. Implementing comprehensive training programmes that include rotations, mentorship, and professional qualifications can help in attracting and retaining top talent.
Inclusivity and diversity
Google’s focus on diversity and inclusivity, welcoming graduates from all walks of life, sets a strong example. Employers should create an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, which can attract a broader talent pool.
By adopting these strategies, employers can enhance their appeal to graduates and stand out in the competitive job market, securing the top talent they need for future success.
Find Top Graduate Talent Today
Want access to 10,000+ potential applicants? Our experts at Developing a Student can support you in attracting graduate talent for your workforce.
Here are just some of the services we offer:
- Advice and support – Our website is packed with guides for employers, including advice on attracting graduates and building a diverse work environment. Find the latest industry insights on our blog.
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- Find diverse graduate talent – Our job advert inclusivity screening tests your ad against our “Inclusive Language Checklist” to remove potentially discriminatory language.
- Advertise your business – Our talented team of writers works with you to create a company profile that helps you stand out as a top graduate employer.
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