Marks and Spencer unveils 2008 graduate scheme

Marks & Spencer will offer more than 200 graduate placement schemes for students next year. 

M&S' scheme is now taking applications for selling positions in M&S' UK stores, as well as taking applications for food, buying, merchandising, technology and design roles at its London head office.

Over the next few weeks, the recruitment team expects to receive some 8,500 applications from which it will offer places to about 160 university graduates who will permanently join the business from September 2008, and 40 undergraduates who will join the Business Placement Programme (BPP) for a year's work experience as part of their degree. In previous years almost 80% of the BPP recruits have subsequently been offered a place on the graduate scheme. 

Linda Graham, head of graduate recruitment, said: "The M&S graduate recruitment scheme is a fast-track training programme into senior-level management, to bring some of the UK's best up-and-coming talent quickly up the ranks of the business."

Last month, the graduate recruitment programme was awarded the Quality Mark from the National Council of Work Experience in recognition of its superior training programme.

To apply go to www.marksandspencer.com/gradcareers. The closing date for applications is December 14.