Graduate jobs & schemes in Leicester 2026

Leicester has a wide range of graduate opportunities across sectors like engineering, manufacturing, retail and logistics, finance, public sector, healthcare, education, and technology. Major employers include Samworth Brothers, Next, Leicester City Council, NHS trusts, Santander, and a growing number of local SMEs and start-ups.

Graduate schemes with structured training typically open for applications between September and January, with start dates the following summer or autumn. These roles can be competitive, so apply early. Leicester also has a strong market for direct-entry graduate jobs, which may open and recruit throughout the year.

You don’t have to—but if you choose to, Leicester offers plenty of career options, lower living costs than major cities, and a strong sense of community. The city is also well connected to Birmingham, Nottingham, and London, so you can access wider job markets while still based locally. Staying in Leicester can mean quicker career progression and a better work-life balance early on.

Yes. Both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University offer graduate roles in areas like research support, student services, IT, marketing, and administration. There are also graduate jobs in the local council, healthcare trusts, and cultural organisations, especially if you’re interested in public service, education, or social impact work.

Show a genuine interest in the employer and the local area. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience—even from part-time jobs or volunteering—and demonstrate that you understand what the role involves. Employers in Leicester often value loyalty, adaptability, and people skills, especially in smaller firms where you can quickly make a difference.