On graduation, one of the best ways to enter the Canadian workforce is by joining a graduate training scheme. These ‘fast-track’ schemes are offered by a number of large employers, with many positions provided by the banking industry, as well as others in management consulting.
Normally, graduates complete their training over one or two years. Working in a number of departments during that time is common, while other formal training is normally undertaken. For example, those working in accountancy usually work towards professional qualifications in their field.
Further study is usually funded by the employer and is just one of many additional benefits of such schemes. Another benefit is mentoring, where junior staff can learn a great deal from other colleagues who have many years’ experience in the role.
On completing the graduate scheme, progression into a junior management role is commonplace. By this time, junior staff should have made numerous contacts within the organisation, by developing their networking skills during their ‘on-the-job’ training. The average starting salary on these schemes is around C
$30,000.