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How Many Graduate Jobs Are There in the UK?

number of graduates per year uk
number of graduates per year uk

You’ve done the most part being in school and graduating, and now it’s time to take on the job market in the UK. This is as exciting as it can be scary, but you have a shiny new degree in hand, and a question popping in your head every time the excitement of graduation tries to die down: how many graduate jobs are there in the UK? What is even the number of graduates per year UK?

As a student looking for a graduate job, it’s important to understand the job market and the number of graduates per year opportunities available in the UK.

Landing that first graduate position can feel scary because you’re unsure how to go about it. But first, let’s begin by answering the most important question: how many grad jobs are there in the UK?

We’re about to find out in this article.

Table of contents

What is the employment rate after graduation in the UK?

The UK job market is vast and diverse, with a wide range of opportunities available for graduates. According to the Office for National Statistics, the unemployment rate for graduates in the UK was 4.0% in 2020. This is lower compared to the overall unemployment rate of 5.0%.

The UK job market is constantly evolving, and it’s important to keep up with the latest trends and changes to increase your chances of landing a graduate job.

Fortunately, recent statistics hold a positive outlook for UK graduates. According to Explore Education Statistics; Graduate labor market statistics, England, the employment rate for graduates in the UK in 2022/23 was a massive 87.3%.

What this means is that a higher percentage of UK graduates in the past year found employment or maybe, some form of unpaid work within a year of graduation.

Read: 17+ Highest Paying Creative Jobs That Pay Well in the UK

Number of Graduate Jobs in the UK

Pinning down the exact number of grad jobs in the UK can be tricky. That’s because the job market fluctuates. Also, this number can vary depending on the industry as well as the overall economic climate.

However, according to High Fliers Research, the number of graduate jobs available in the UK has increased by 2.7% in 2021. This is a positive sign for students looking for graduate jobs. The research also found that the biggest increase in graduate vacancies was in the IT and telecommunications industry, with a 39% increase in job opportunities.

Other industries that are experiencing growth in graduate vacancies include finance, law, and engineering. The demand for graduates in these industries is high, and they offer attractive salaries and benefits.

However, recent statistics show that there was massive employment as we already mentioned in the section above. However, it’s important to know that certain industries are hungrier for graduates with certain skills.

According to recent reports by two of some of the leading recruitment agencies, Hays and Reed, there’s a surge in demand for graduates in areas like data analysis, technology, and renewable energy.

Also, see: 31+ Jobs you didn’t know existed

Top Industries for Graduate Jobs

As mentioned earlier, the technology, data analysis, and renewable energy industry is currently the fastest-growing industry for graduate jobs. This industry is constantly evolving, and there is a high demand for graduates with skills in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.

The finance industry is another popular industry for graduate jobs. This industry offers a range of opportunities, including roles in investment banking, accounting, and financial analysis. Graduates in this industry can expect high salaries and good progression opportunities.

Law is also a popular industry for graduates. However, it can be competitive, and it’s important to have a strong academic background and relevant work experience to stand out from the crowd. Graduates in law can expect good salaries and opportunities for career progression.

Engineering is another industry with a high demand for graduates. This industry offers a range of opportunities, including roles in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Graduates in this industry can expect to work on exciting projects and receive good salaries.

Also, read: 10 Perfect Jobs For Social People

Number of Graduates Per Year in the UK

According to recent statistics, there were around 350,000 graduate vacancies in the UK in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure is expected to increase in the coming years, with many companies actively seeking to recruit fresh talent from universities and colleges.

So, what types of graduate jobs are available in the UK? The truth is, there are opportunities to suit a wide range of career aspirations and skill sets. Some of the most popular industries for graduate jobs include:

  • Technology
  • Data Analysis
  • Renewable Energy
  • Finance and Accounting
  • – Engineering and technology
  • – Marketing and advertising
  • – Healthcare and medicine
  • – Education and teaching
  • – Law and legal services
  • – Media and journalism
  • – Retail and sales

Many more industries offer graduate opportunities. Almost every sector of the economy needs talented graduates with fresh ideas and a willingness to learn.

So, how can you go about finding graduate jobs that are right for you?

Is it difficult to get a job in the UK after graduation?

Let’s be honest, the job hunt can feel overwhelming for the most part, but if it helps, the recent statistics we’ve mentioned earlier have shown that graduates in the UK do have a really good shot at finding a job after graduation. Especially within their first year after graduation.

However this might not be the same for everyone as it largely depends on your field of study, and then again, the overall job market and how it fluctuates.

But if you want some tips to help, polish your resume and cover letter, network, and take maximum advantage of your university’s career advice. We hope this helps!

Also, read: Can You Do a Placement Year After You Graduate? Top Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get started

1. Research potential employers – Make a list of companies or organizations that you are interested in working for, and research their graduate recruitment programs. Many companies have dedicated graduate schemes that offer training and development opportunities.

2. Attend careers fairs – Universities and colleges often host careers fairs where you can meet with potential employers and learn more about the graduate job market.

3. Use job search websites – Many websites specialize in advertising graduate jobs, such as Graduateland, Prospects, and Milkround. These sites allow you to search for jobs by industry, location, and other criteria.

4. Network – Don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni from your university or college who are working in industries that interest you. They may be able to offer valuable advice and insights into the job market.

5. Be proactive – If you can’t find a graduate job that suits you, consider applying for internships or work placements that can help you gain valuable experience and make connections in your chosen industry.

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How to Increase Your Chances of Landing a Graduate Job

Now that you know the number of graduate jobs available in the UK and the top industries for graduate jobs, it’s important to understand how to increase your chances of landing a graduate job.

Firstly, it’s important to have a strong academic background and relevant work experience. This will make you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing a graduate job.

Secondly, it’s important to network and build relationships with professionals in your chosen industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals on social media.

Lastly, make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience and show how they can benefit the company.

Conclusion

The number of graduate jobs available in the UK is increasing, and there are many opportunities across a range of industries. By understanding the job market and the top industries for graduate jobs, you can increase your chances of landing a graduate job. Remember to focus on your academic background, relevant work experience, and networking to stand out from the crowd.

FAQS

How many graduates in the UK get a job?

According to the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), 87.3% of working-age graduates (aged 16-64) in the UK were in employment in 2022. This is higher than the employment rate for non-graduates (69.6%).

Is it hard to find work in the UK after graduation?

It can be challenging to find a job after graduation, but it is not impossible. The difficulty of finding a job depends on several factors, including your subject area, your skills and experience, and the current economic climate.

How many jobs are being advertised for graduates in the UK?

According to the graduatecoach website, there were approximately 30,000 graduate job vacancies advertised per month in the UK in 2020. However, there were also 2.3 million graduates searching for jobs!

How many graduates per year in the UK?

In 2022, there were approximately 800,000 people who graduated from higher education institutions in the UK.

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References

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