Graduate jobs & schemes in York 2026

York offers graduate opportunities in heritage and tourism, public services, healthcare, education, finance, technology, and the creative industries. Key employers include City of York Council, NHS trusts, Aviva, University of York, English Heritage, and several growing tech and media companies.

Graduate schemes often open from September to January, especially with larger organisations. Smaller employers in sectors like creative arts, education, or hospitality may advertise roles later or on a rolling basis, so it’s worth keeping an eye out year-round.

Yes—York combines a historic and creative atmosphere with a growing economy and strong graduate employment prospects. It’s well connected to Leeds, Sheffield, and London, and offers a high quality of life, especially for those seeking a balance between career growth and community feel.

York has strengths in heritage and culture, insurance and finance, biotechnology, higher education, and digital media. The city also plays an important role in the public and third sectors, making it a solid base for a range of professional career paths.

Definitely. Many graduate employers in York offer clear progression routes and ongoing development. Whether you're in the public sector, a large firm like Aviva, or a startup, you’ll find opportunities to move up and expand your skill set over time.