Graduate market is booming

Job prospects continue to look bright for graduates, with the number of graduate vacancies expected to rise more than 14 per cent in the coming year, according to a national survey.

The greatest increases are predicted to be in industries such as electronic and electrical engineering and transport and communications, according to the findings of the Association of Graduate Recruiters' half-yearly review of graduate salaries and vacancies.

The outlook for salaries is good, with median starting pay expected to rise to nearly £20,000 in the recruitment year 2001-02.

Companies responding to the survey have forecast graduate starting salaries ranging from £14,500 to £38,000.

The rise in graduate salaries over the past two years, at 5.5 per cent and 4.1 per cent, has kept well ahead of the rate of inflation.

Graduates recruited by AGR members five years ago typically earn £7,500 more than those recruited a year ago. The overall growth in salaries is about 65 per cent over the five years.

There is a trend towards offering graduates "golden hellos" ranging from £500 to £10,000.

• The AGR has joined forces with the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services and the National Union of Students to launch a code of practice for recruiters. Guidelines for employers include planning selection activities to avoid clashes with academic demands.