Sainsbury's grad programme undented by recession
17 August 2010 10:55
Sainsbury's has announced that it has up to 115 opportunities on its graduate and placement programmes for the coming year. The retailer has up to 65 places available on its graduate scheme with a further possible 50 places available on the company's two paid placement schemes which are either a year long or eight weeks over the summer.
There are 15 different schemes on the Sainsbury's graduate programme. Of these the Retail scheme is the largest, reflecting Sainsbury's ambitious plans to grow its store portfolio by adding 15% new shop floor space by March 2011.
Gwyn Burr, Sainsbury's customer service and colleague director, said: "We are thrilled that despite the challenging economic climate we can offer so many excellent opportunities for graduates and students. We're looking to recruit individuals that have the drive and passion to thrive in the fast-paced and dynamic world of retail. In return for their hard work our graduates are given real responsibility and all the tools they need to make a real difference to our business.
"At Sainsbury's we truly value the input of our graduates and this is reflected in the number that have gone on to make a real impact across our organisation."
Sally Hyman, survey director at High Fliers Research, said: "Sainsbury's continues to be an employer of choice amongst students, as highlighted by the firm's increased position in the most recent Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. It is encouraging to see that the company remains committed to recruiting the very best graduates. This is particularly good news for those university leavers who are keen to work in the retail sector."
Over the course of their schemes Sainsbury's graduates are given the opportunity to work in a number of different areas across the business whilst developing key skills. For example, the Sainsbury's Retail scheme focuses on areas such as people management and leadership skills. The scheme gives graduates the opportunity to manage a convenience store as well as the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to aim to become a deputy store manager within just 18 months.
Places are also available on the Product Technology scheme where candidates could find themselves visiting suppliers across the globe. The scheme covers a variety of areas such as food safety, packaging, health and agriculture.
At the start of their career with Sainsbury's all graduates enjoy between four and six months working in store to ensure they have a solid grounding in retail and the art of customer service.
Also launching are placement schemes aimed at graduates or those still at university. There are up to 50 places available across 12-month or eight-week summer programmes. If successful candidates may be offered a place on the graduate programme or even a direct entry role within Sainsbury's.
Joel Robinson, a graduate currently on the Sainsbury's Buying scheme, said: "Retail is one of the most exciting sectors in the UK and the fact that it is constantly changing means you really need to be on your toes. During my time with Sainsbury's I've been provided with excellent support and training to ensure I have everything I need to make a flying start to my career.
"Sainsbury's also ensures unrivalled opportunities for grads to move around its business and experience new areas. This ensures you are always challenged and learning something new."
In July a report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) showed that employers were predicting a 6.9% fall in the number of vacancies for graduates available this year. This was nearly four times worse than the AGR's own prediction just six months previously. But Sainsbury's has remained committed to its graduate and placement programmes.
Sainsbury's graduate programmes offer a competitive salary starting at between £25,000 and £26,000 per annum (£21,500 for Pharmacy pre-registration students and £15,000 for placement students) as well as a number of other benefits including a colleague discount card. Graduates are also eligible for the Sainsbury's bonus scheme which in the last five years has paid out over £290 million to colleagues.
Retail news is updated every weekday and is provided courtesy of: 
