The leading transport operator in the UK and North America, FirstGroup, has confirmed it is the only bus or rail company to be listed in The Guardian’s ‘UK 300’, a poll showing the 300 most popular graduate employers as voted for by students and graduates in the UK. The Aberdeen based company was voted number 219, ahead of companies such as The Bank of England, O2 and Vodafone.
More than 25,000 students from 100 universities voted, which according to The Guardian, ‘makes it the most representative student poll ever’ of graduate employment opportunities.
John Evans, FirstGroup’s HR Director, said: “I’m delighted that we are considered one of the top employers amongst students and graduates. Entry to the ‘UK 300’ is a reflection of the investment we’ve made to raise awareness of opportunities in FirstGroup and attract the most talented and enthusiastic graduates.
“In the last 12 months we have implemented a new website specifically tailored for graduates, launched a social media campaign and increased our recruitment presence at universities across the UK. This helped stimulate close to 1,000 graduate applications for our 2012 Programme – a record for the company.”
He added: “We have a strong tradition in FirstGroup of providing our graduates with the confidence and ability to progress within the business. Some of our most senior directors across the company started their careers with First through our graduate scheme.”
Operations Director at First Aberdeen, Duncan Cameron, began his career with First on the graduate scheme in 2001. “The experience I gained was invaluable,” he said. “I experienced almost every aspect of running a bus company, while I also spent some time learning the ropes at FirstGroup’s rail division. The scheme has undoubtedly helped me and many of my graduate colleagues secure senior positions within First.”
David Pinder is a graduate currently mid way through a six month placement at First Aberdeen, reporting to Duncan Cameron. David is one of First’s ‘rail graduates’ but during his two year programme, six months are spent in the bus division.
David said: “I see my future career working in rail, but the experience I am gaining in the bus industry is really useful. There are lots of similarities of course, but for me it’s really interesting comparing and contrasting the two industries. I’m sure having experience of both sectors will stand me in good stead.”
He continued: “It’s not surprising that FirstGroup is attracting huge volumes of students – its scheme, which mixes workplace and classroom learning is fantastic.”
For more information about ‘UK 300’ visit www.guardianuk300.com