HR graduate programmes

A HR graduate scheme is a structured training programme in human resources for university leavers that combines entry-level work with formal training and development opportunities. It typically lasts either one or two years, depending on the employer.

On a graduate programme, a HR graduate will typically have rotations in different HR specialisms, including recruitment, employee relations, and learning and development. They’ll then carry out entry-level tasks to support their colleagues, such as arranging job interviews or note-taking in disciplinaries, while shadowing HR professionals and undertaking training. They may also be offered the opportunity to study towards a professional qualification with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

The best time to apply for HR graduate programmes is in the autumn term of your final year of university. Many large employers open their graduate schemes in September and October and set deadlines for November and December. However, some employers keep their graduate programmes open all year for applications, while others will close them in November and December but reopen them later in the academic year if they haven’t had sufficient numbers of good applications.