Overall student hires in the UK increased by 16% in 2018 when compared to 2017, according to research from the Institute of Student Employers.

The research also found that while the number of graduate jobs (17,667) outstripped apprenticeship (5,499) and school leaver programmes (766), they continue to grow at a slower rate.

Furthermore, employers recruited 7% more graduates (1% growth in 2017) and apprenticeship and school leaver programmes grew 50% (19% in 2017). There were also more summer and year-long internships in 2018, increasing 10% and 31% respectively. These organisations rehired an average of 52% of their interns and 43% of their summer placement students.

Compared to last year, graduates were more likely to find jobs in engineering, law, utilities, banking or financial services. Accountancy, professional services, digital, retail and public sector organisations hired a smaller proportion of graduates.

Stephen Isherwood, Chief Executive of the ISE said, “Employers haven’t been deterred by economic concerns around Brexit and the global trading climate. Students should be encouraged that there are lots of opportunities and different routes into some of the country’s top employers.