How info tech employers train graduates

Just as IT employers come in all shapes and sizes, graduate training, ‘programmes’ or ‘schemes’ come in a range of flavours.

Types of ‘graduate scheme’ in IT

The rotational scheme is a common format for many 'graduate programmes'. Graduates rotate through assignments in two or three parts of the business during their first year to 18 months, getting a taste of different functions before settling on one area of work. Alternatively, some programmes and entry-level jobs involve graduates going straight into a role working on a project team, working alongside experienced technology professionals.

John Gillard, graduate programme manager at Capgemini, explains: ‘An employer’s key aim is to get you ready for their business and to help you contribute value right from the start. Each company has their own way of helping graduates make the transition from the structured world of education to the vibrant world of business.’

Each company has their own way of helping graduates make the transition from the structured world of education to the vibrant world of business.

Adam Thilthorpe, the Chartered Institute of IT’s professionalism in IT programme manager, agrees with John, adding: ‘Employers look to their graduates to start thinking about how exploiting technology brings about business benefits from the off. When you join a company you need to quickly get an understanding of what your employer is trying to achieve.’

Your first days as a graduate recruit

Employers large and small will provide an induction to help you settle into the organisation’s culture and bring you up to speed on the core skills and knowledge you’ll need for your graduate job. You might head off to India for some intensive developer training or to New York for some business and bonding workshops. Or stay here in the UK!

On-the-job training is the most common way to learn as employers find that graduates develop their skills and gain experience best by doing. In addition employers may also support their employees in gaining both technical and professional skills through a range of other mechanisms, including distance and online learning, external courses, self-directed study, networking, and through attendance at conferences and training events.

You could also find yourself learning from your peers as graduates at Capgemini do. ‘We get graduates who are becoming skilled in an area to lead a conference call or give a presentation to other graduates. It’s a great way to transfer knowledge to the wider group, but it also cements the knowledge of the person leading the session and builds their presentation and facilitation abilities,’ John explains.

Find out about training when you are job-hunting

When you meet with graduate employers at recruitment events and interviews, it’s good to talk about training and development, but don’t restrict your questions to what you want to get out of it. Find out how other graduates have charted their careers. Show that you have done some research and that you are thinking about what skills and knowledge you would need to be effective in the organisation.

Professional and industry associations that support training, development and skills

• BCS The Chartered Institute for IT
• IET – Institution of Engineering and Technology
• e-skills UK – sector skills council for the IT and telecoms industry