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Public sector still positive for graduate jobs

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2009   Category: Public sector

The public sector is a good place to start a graduate job, despite headlines about declines in employment among young people, according to one expert.

Writing for the Guardian, journalist Debbie Andalo said that the last quarter saw the number of graduate jobs being offered in the public sector go up by nine per cent, compared to a 40 per cent drop for private firms.

She spoke to Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, who told the newspaper: "The public sector has held up pretty well. We also know that when the market tightens up and goes into economic downturn, the public sector becomes a more attractive option."

A new graduate scheme for those looking to get a job in the charity sector will be launched this month and NHS initiatives will also see 20 more places being offered than last year, the expert added.

Ms Andalo has previously recommended that graduate job hunters with an interest in ethical work take advantage of the Charity Works scheme, which offers two-year placements, training and a £20,000 salary.