It is not a new trend for recent graduates to 'do the London thing', or flock to the major UK cities for jobs. However, there are a whole host of reasons for graduates to remain in the South West region, with plenty of opportunities waiting right beneath their noses.

Graduates tend to think of a graduate position as one with a large well known national employer, but only a small number of graduates go on to work in such organisations.

Opportunities exist in the South West for graduates across the board – with small, medium and large employers and even self employment.

Many tend to think that the region offers poor pay, but this is not true: graduate starting salaries in the South West are actually on a par with other regions. Last year, over 70% of graduate vacancies we advertised were at £15K or more.

Research by Grad South West shows that students and graduates rate the South West as a good place to live and study, while workers and bosses in South West England enjoy the highest levels of well being at work.

The South West has a reputation for being laid back. There’s no doubt that the pace of life is slower with an emphasis on work-life balance – something which graduates who go to work in the cities sometimes forget.

The climate is temperate, crime is low, healthcare is good and unemployment is below average. Employers sometimes struggle to recruit good calibre staff – which means more opportunities for talented graduates.

The largest South West employment sectors are:

• Services 73.2% - Distribution and retail, business services, health and social services, public administration and defence, education, transport and communication, hotels and catering, finance and other.
• Manufacturing 14.3 % - Transport equipment, electronics, food and drink, paper and printing, and metal / non metal products are particularly significant.
• Construction 8.1%
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing 3.8%

Large Employers

Seven of the 'Top 100 Companies' are located in the South West. Most run graduate training schemes which offer a good starting salary and the opportunity to get direct experience, often in several different departments. Graduate training schemes give graduates a lot of support to kick start their career and many offer training towards a professional qualification. Whilst large employers are attractive to graduates, only a small percentage of graduates join such graduate training schemes.

Small to Medium Employers (SME's)

Small Companies are often referred to as small to medium enterprises (SME's). A SME employs less than 250 people. It can be a commercial organisation or a non-profit making organisation such as a charity or trust. Over 99% of South West employers are SME's, which is in line with national trends.

It stands to reason that if you want to work in the South West, you need to consider a career within a SME. Graduate employment with a SME can offer:

• Flexibility and breadth – try your hand at everything
• A flat management structure – get noticed and learn from senior colleagues
• Job satisfaction – the chance to make a difference
• Informal and less bureaucratic structures
• Variety, early responsibility and working under your own initiative

In return, SME's expect graduates to:

• Learn quickly
• Be practical and flexible
• Muck in to all tasks – no special treatment just because you’re a graduate

Self Employment

The high quality of life in the South West acts as a powerful incentive for many graduates to create their own opportunities through self employment.

If you have a great idea for a business, Universities offer a wide range of support and services to Entrepreneurs and New Businesses ('start ups') including:

• Training and workshops - everything from developing and testing a business plan to market research and finance
• Business accommodation - specialist business accommodation and support – sometimes referred to as business incubation
• Information and advice - everything from intellectual property to recruiting staff

Below are a selection of paid placements based in the South West which graduates can apply for:

Graduate Business Partnerships (GBP)

GBP's offer the opportunity to make a real contribution to a Devon business whilst gaining experience that enhances your CV and future prospects. A Graduate Business Partnership involves:

• A 20 week placement with hands on experience of a real business project
• A minimum salary of £300 per week
• A ten day business training course
• Projects start throughout the year

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP's)

KTP's provide challenging employment and personal development opportunities to graduates throughout the UK. Graduates are appointed to manage projects central to the development needs of companies. Competition is fierce, but the benefits include:

• The right platform to launch your career
• A professional qualification
• The ability to earn your value in the market place
• The chance to be mentored in your job
• Ownership of a project
• A way to apply your qualification to your job
• A salary whilst you develop experience

Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP)

UCP offers the opportunity to apply what you have learnt during your degree in a real business environment. A UCP Programme can provide you with:

• Six to twelve month placement managing a business project
• The support of a mentor and project team
• Valuable business experience

Graduate Skills for Torridge

This is a new project offering placements to graduates with local businesses in the Torridge district of Devon. More information will be available shortly.

Information kindly provided by Grad South West. See external links for more information.