Birmingham-based Discovery Graduates works with companies to help them recruit talented university leavers, and believes that graduates who are willing to widen their search for employment in these difficult times will reap significant rewards.
Sarah Evans, Director of Client Services said: “Despite the apparent gloom in the news regarding graduate recruitment, golden opportunities are still available. In our field we work with many employers who recognise the value of graduates and are 100 per cent committed to recruiting and training that talent.”
Sarah and her team recently began working with Merlin Entertainments Group, which operates attractions such as Sea Life, Madame Tussauds and Alton Towers, to update the assessment tools and processes for its XLR8 graduate recruitment programme.
The updated programme offers two routes for graduates, ‘General Management’ and ‘Marketing’. It consists of three, six-month placements, where trainees work in different areas of the business, with the opportunity for placements in the USA, Europe and China.
Sarah added: “XLR8 is a fantastic example of the opportunities that are available to graduates, outside of the usual 'Milk Round' regulars of engineering, banking and professional services. Merlin Entertainments Group recognise the value to their business of recruiting the right candidates and are making a significant investment in their graduate programme.”
Sarah advises university leavers not to get too caught up in the negative stories about graduate recruitment, explaining: “It is important to look far and wide to find the right career path. Companies such as Merlin Entertainments Group make a valuable commitment to the graduates they recruit, and the training will lead to fulfilling and exciting careers for those who are willing and able to grasp those opportunities.
“The first step for graduates looking for a career path is to open their minds to all possibilities. They may just surprise themselves with what is out there.”
Applications for entry onto Merlin Entertainments' XLR8 scheme in 2011 are still open. For more information, visit: http://www.merlincareers.com/graduates