Graduate schemes, or graduate training schemes, are structured training programmes run by employers with the aim of developing future talent within an organisation. Typically, graduate schemes take on recent graduates who’ve left university and are ready to enter the working world, but require training before they start their career.

If you don’t have existing industry experience, it can be difficult to get a permanent job, even at entry level. Grad schemes often require minimal experience so are ideal for those just starting out.

Graduate schemes are often paid positions that last a year or more, allowing employees to work full-time whilst learning on the job. After completing a scheme successfully, many employees are then offered permanent entry to management-level roles within the company, making them well worth doing in a competitive job market.

Here at  GLL our Graduate Training Scheme and internal Trainee Manager Scheme (for existing employees) are extremely important to us as they allow us to develop talent, within a tried and tested framework.

We’ve got a wide range of award-winning development schemes available across the UK, however, our most popular is our two-year Graduate Trainee Manager and Trainee Manager programme. We provide trainee managers with high-quality, well-rounded training, and the pathway for them to become our leaders of the future. Our Trainee Manager brochure outlines all the important information about this programme.

On this scheme, graduates and trainee managers gain experience in a variety of different areas of the business, complete training and qualifications to support them on their journey including:

• Operational placements in concierge, fitness instructor, lifeguard, supervisor and duty manager roles.
• Placements in support services teams in HR, community projects, business projects, customer service centre , energy and facility maintenance. 
• Completion of essential Industry qualifications for the swim teacher, fitness instructor and lifeguard roles, the pool plant operator qualification in year 2,  as well as in-house training modules.
• Being part of the Trainee Manager learning community and completing the GLL Management Development programme
• Mentoring and sponsorship from senior mentors and TM buddies throughout the 2-year scheme.

Like many graduate programmes, the GLL scheme allows people to develop their skills whilst working with the community and gaining hands-on industry experience, making it ideal for those looking to kick-start their career in leisure and sports.

Learning and development is at the heart of what we do at GLL, and we take pride in our ability to help people grow and develop with us throughout their career.

That’s why our schemes provide high-quality, well-rounded training with plenty of support, as well as a pathway into the leisure and sports industry. The GLL Graduate and internal Trainee Manager programmes are award winning, There are no other similar schemes in the leisure sector. 

Participation in our schemes also includes employee benefits such as a pension scheme, subsidised gym and leisure membership, personal development, the opportunity for a management career in leisure operations and business teams and most importantly, being part of a values-driven, charitable social enterprise, which is focused on making a difference in local communities, with regard to physical, mental and social well-being. Better is our customer-facing brand. Take a look at the difference we make for yourself by reading about what we do. 

Our popular Graduate Trainee Manager scheme has been running for over 27 years and is a great example of how our graduates are able to grow with us and develop their careers in the industry. 

Our existing staff can also be Trainee Managers. They don’t need a degree to gain on the scheme and can complete a L5 leisure management qualification or degree upon completion of the scheme.

If you’re ready to start your graduate career in the sports and leisure industry, take a look at our current vacancies to see which graduate scheme jobs are available and apply today.

Participation in our schemes also includes employee benefits such as a pension scheme, subsidised gym and leisure membership, personal development, working for a values-driven, charitable social enterprise and the opportunity for a management career in leisure operations and business teams.

We are an inclusive employer that seeks and values diversity within our team and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

At GLL, we know that applying for a new job can be a stressful and confusing process, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’ve put together a series of blogs filled with career advice for recent graduates and people looking for a new job.

Using these workplace guides and graduate job advice pages can help you make important decisions about your new role and prepare you for life after graduation. So, if it’s time to think about a new position or job, take a look at these guides for handy career tips and advice.