Graduates in the Labour Market 2012

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the “Graduates in the Labour Market 2012” report earlier this year. Being responsible for our Digital Academy, I have a keen interest in the availability of graduate jobs throughout the UK, and the report made very interesting reading.

The ONS report found that almost 36% of recent graduates, or, put another way: more than one in three, are employed in a lower skilled job. This compares unfavourably with 2001, when just under 27% were in a similar situation. With the unemployment rate for new graduates rising to almost 19%, this partially explains the uptake of lower skilled jobs.

This aside, graduates still have plenty to smile about within the job market. The survey shows that they have higher employment rates than non-graduates, with 86% of all graduates in some form of work, compared with 72% of non-graduates. Once employed, graduates still retain a sizeable lead when it comes to earning power. In 2011, the average wage for non-graduates stood at £8.92 per hour. Graduates commanded 70% more, with the median hourly rate being £15.18.

Looking at this data, it focuses my thoughts on how a good graduate training scheme can help bright, talented individuals realise their potential. 4Ps Marketing’s training scheme taps into some of the brightest minds and influencers in the industry, providing a superb opportunity for graduates to develop expertise in all aspects in digital marketing. The twelve month programme is designed to give our trainees the time, experience and skills they need to become the strategic digital marketers of the future. Their motivation is the opportunity to help develop the digital strategy of our clients in the future, as well as adding to the 64% of graduates in higher skilled jobs.

If you are interested in joining our graduate scheme, follow me on Twitter (@Nick_4Ps), strike up a conversation and demonstrate why you’re destined for a successful career in digital marketing.

Images from the ONS “Graduates in the Labour Market 2012”report: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171776_259049.pdf