23rd August 2023

Graduate Programmes FAQs

About the Programme

What are the general requirements for the Graduate Programme?

To be eligible for the programme:

- You need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a 2.2 (or equivalent) in your chosen degree. For our Technology programmes, we require a degree in a STEM subject.

- You need to have the correct work permit in place at the time of the application to work in the UK for the duration of the programme. This includes residing physically in the UK for the duration of your time at Vodafone. We are not able to sponsor visas for the Programme and we are unable to accept the Graduate Route Visa at this time. If you are unsure if you have a suitable visa to work in the UK or your current visa has an expiry date, please email us: youth.recruitment@vodafone.com to check before you apply.

- You also need to be flexible to work across the UK for the duration of the two-year programme. You can find more information on the location question below (question 5).

How long is the Graduate Programme?

Our Graduate Programme is typically a two-year long opportunity to experience life at one of the world’s most innovative technology companies. Some streams may vary in duration for example our Business Sales programme (18 - 24 months) and Finance (3 years) so make sure you check the details of your preferred stream before applying.

What's the salary on the Graduate Programme?

For Technology & Digital, it's £35,000 annually and for all other programmes, it's £32,000 annually. Sales Graduates can earn commission once they manage their own accounts (typically after 12 months).

After the Graduate Programme, what is in store for me?

The skills and experience you gain during the programme will enable you to apply for a post-programme role from our vacancies. We encourage you to look across the organisation for a role that plays to your strengths and continues to provide development. This could be another business function from our two year programme.

We fully support you through the process and find that the internally, teams are always keen to have a former Discover Graduate join their team. We have great retention of our Graduates and you will find alumni throughout the organisation in technical expert and leadership roles.

Where would I be located?

Our most common sites are Newbury and London (Southwark), with roles aligned to existing team locations and working patterns. You may need to move location for a placement i.e. between our Newbury and London hubs and we therefore ask for flexibility. More detail is shared in each of the role descriptions.

Does Vodafone allow remote working?

Vodafone operates a blended approach to work. Our offices are used as a hub for collaboration, networking, co-creation and even concentration spaces. Across most roles, we expect our employees to be in the office for 2 days a week and work remotely for the remainder e.g. from the comfort of your own home or from another office location – whatever works best for you.

Anything different will be noted in the role description.

When will the Graduate Programme start?

The Vodafone Graduate Programme will start in September 2024.

How can I apply?

To be considered for the Graduate Programme at Vodafone you will need to apply through our careers website. Visit: https://careers.vodafone.co.uk/graduate-programme for details and to apply for our current opportunities.

About the Recruitment

Does Vodafone support visa sponsorship for international students?

In order to be considered for the Graduate Programme, you must already be in possession of a UK working permit that is valid for the duration of the Graduate Programme you are applying to without the need for support from Vodafone, as well as living in the UK for the duration of your time with us.

Unfortunately, if you do not meet the criteria then we are unable to proceed with your application. Please also note that we are unable to accept the Graduate Route Visa at this time.

If you are unsure if your visa will allow you the unrestricted right to work in the UK or you have an expiry date for your current visa, please email the youth team on youth.recruitment@vodafone.com to check before applying.

I require reasonable adjustments or further support to complete the online assessment. How can I let you know about the requirements I have?

You can ask for extra time before completing your online assessments, video interview and assessment centre. Please also let us know of any other reasonable adjustments or support you may need throughout the selection process by emailing us at: youth.recruitment@vodafone.com, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Please be prepared to provide any supporting documents that you may have.

What happens if I am unable to attend the Assessment Centre I was invited to?

If you are invited to an Assessment Centre and you are unable to attend, please let us know at: youth.recruitment@vodafone.com as soon as possible, and we will do our best to reschedule your attendance depending on availability. Please note that this will not be possible in all cases.

Would it be possible to extend the deadline for the online assessments and video interview?

If you require more time to complete the online tests, please contact us at: youth.recruitment@vodafone.com to discuss your situation, and where possible we will make arrangements to extend the deadline.

Would I be able to receive feedback?

Due to the volume of applications, we won't be able to provide individual feedback after the online assessment and video interview stage. We do, however, provide feedback after the assessment centre as we realise how important this is to help you with your future careers.

Can I apply and be considered for more than one Graduate Programme?

We can only accept one application per candidate, so please make sure that you're only applying to one programme. If you change your preference please let us know so that we can consider your application accordingly. Please note that after you've been invited to an Assessment Centre, we won't be able to transfer your application.

How can I get an update on my application?

We aim to keep all the candidates informed and updated throughout the application process, so please keep a close eye on your emails, including your spam/junk folder. If you would like to receive further updates on your application please email us at: youth.recruitment@vodafone.com, specifying the programme you're applying to.

What will be in the online assessment?

The online assessment will take approx. 40mins, including a video interview and a game-based assessment.

The video interview will contain competency-based questions, so you shouldn’t expect any technical topics. Our aim is to get to know you better, and make our decision based on the potential we see in you. We advise you to prepare for it as you would prepare for a regular, face-to-face interview. You will have practice questions before each section.

I am an internal candidate. Can I apply?

If you are eligible for the Programme, please apply through the internal careers site. We recommend as with any internal position that you speak to your manager before applying.

I know somebody who already works for Vodafone- can they refer me?

Yes, they can use the ‘Refer a Friend’ tool internally.