Nowadays, competition is fierce among recent Canadian graduates who are seeking their first job. Since many positions require applicants to have some work experience, places on training schemes for such graduates tend to be oversubscribed. However, those that do manage to secure these places are highly-rewarded.
Banking firms run many of these recent graduate training schemes, allowing trainees to gain experience in several departments at the start of their career. In addition, firms are usually happy to fund any formal training that the graduate might require. Some training might take place outside working hours, or employers might allow the trainee to take some time off.
Generally, trainees are not left to their own devices during the first year. They usually work under the close supervision of a designated mentor, who can observe their work and offer any advice as it is needed.
With an average starting salary of C
$30,400 across Canada, these recent graduate training schemes tend to be fairly well-paid. However, the pay is just a small part of the overall experience and benefits that trainees will receive during their two-year employment.