So few graduate jobs around ...

Are you looking now for 2012 positions? That might be the issue.

2012 positions implies that he's looking for ONLY graduate schemes. Graduate jobs that offer an immediate start or a September start are a different matter entirely.

I agree, OP. Graduate roles are scarce right now. I can only hope that there are more graduate job opportunities with immediate starts in October. Failing that, hopefully in January. If not, I think I'm screwed.

I am a bit confused between graduate jobs, and graduate schemes. as I thought they were the same thing? jobs that are specifically targeted at 'graduates' tend to be schemes that open around october - december, a lot of them it is advised you apply before november as competition is high. any starting october 2012 will be full no doubt, there are a few that have both september and january starts though so some january ones may still have places.

If you mean 'graduate' job as in a 'job' where you require qualifications, then its really just a job, as so many 'normal' (ie: not a 2 years contract scheme) jobs require a degree etc.

from my graduating year summer 2011, the ones who struggled to find work are the ones who were restricted for where they could live (ie: family commitments), but all the others who were willing to move and stretch the comfort zone found good jobs

@serious.sam, tell us of your experience then we could perhaps relate / try and help you!

Graduate schemes are usually 1 or 2 year schemes where you are rotated between different departments in a company to see what you are best at.
This is my knowledge anyway, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I am a bit confused between graduate jobs,

i think one thing that puts people off also is the word graduate as often people think they need to of graduated that year to be eligible but not always the case!

Well there's no accounting for idiots. Seriously, if people think they can get a professional career with as little research and engagement as a mistake like that would require, then they deserve whatever they don't get.

It is thinking like this that makes employers moan about spoon fed A level students and graduates who expect everything delivered to them with full revision notes, a transparent marking scheme and the ability to retake modules forever until they get what they want. Employment just isn't like that, and part of joining the adult world is taking control of your own destiny because no-one else will.

It is thinking like this that makes employers moan about spoon fed A level students and graduates who expect everything delivered to them with full revision notes, a transparent marking scheme and the ability to retake modules forever until they get what they want. Employment just isn't like that, and part of joining the adult world is taking control of your own destiny because no-one else will.

Right because, with the exception of unlimited module retakes, this isn't exactly what happens in say a tough and respected accountancy professional qualification like the ACA? Are you saying employers don't pack graduates (and now employees) off to college to be spoon fed everything, word by word, with a complete set of ready made notes on day 1, past papers and detailed marking schemes with feedback to the extent of actively pointing out where to drop difficult marks and gain the easiest marks?

It is a commercial qualification, not an academic one. It is structured, like the GDL etc to take as much money from you as possible. It isn't a 'respected' or particularly 'tough', it's just a fairly dull slog and a mandatory requirement for a very narrow spectrum of specific careers. Most people who have successful in careers post AC(C)A demonstrate very many skills beyond the hoop jumping of that qualification.