Every year university graduates are on the increase; in 2013 there were 12 million graduates in the UK. Cue an intense competition for graduate jobs, schemes and careers for graduate schemes 2014. Now, this years graduates will find that it is now more important than ever to start planning ahead and making applications as soon as possible. Yup, even from term one.

Whilst graduate jobs are on the rise, graduate schemes are becoming increasingly popular, with both graduates and companies alike recognising them as a fantastic and flawless way to break into your dream career in the ever changing job market.

So what’s so special about graduate schemes, who provides the best and how can you make sure that your application is successful?

Graduate schemes: why they are on the increase

Possibly the best thing to happen to  graduates today, graduate schemes come with many benefits. Kerching! Many graduates leaving education show concern about the change from supported to education to full-time jobs, yet when within a graduate scheme, graduates can develop hands on experience of the job as well as taught skills specific to the job and industry - combining educational and work environments. Bonus!

As most graduate schemes are provided by larger companies, graduates will be automatically advantaged when applying for future work, as well known company names on your CV and job applications are sure to boost your chances of attaining future job roles.

Yet an impressive and inspiring 37% of graduates in 2013 and 2014 have been recruited into a full-time job role with their company after completion of a graduate scheme, meaning that a graduate scheme is not only excellent for a CV but can also land you straight into your chosen career path within a permanent role.

The best of the bunch: who provides successful graduate schemes

Graduate schemes have more than doubled over the last few years; it is now almost impossible to find a job sector, company or organisation that will not offer some form of scheme for recent graduates alongside a bundle of fantastic benefits.

From the hard working world of the public sector, to rising in the competitive world of retail, to becoming part of a growing and innovative company, there is most likely a graduate scheme out there to suit you no matter what career path you wish to choose.

Often grad schemes will include the opportunity to learn on the go, adding a few more qualifications to your CV. An example of such is the fantastic Teach First programme, a direct route into teaching and education that allows graduates to earn whilst learning, working within a school environment. Compared to spending £6,000-9,000 on an education related postgraduate course, its a bargain!

Likewise, interns working for super company Google are lead directly into the creative media and IT specialist career path. Google are renowned for their employers benefits - including a gym membership, health benefits and meals, not forgetting their super cool office environments.

Warning: these perks aren’t available for just any old Tom, Dick or Harry - most schemes will maintain a minimum requirement of a 2:1 degree grade classification, work experience and of course, a fantastic application.

Steps to success: an application to impress

Most, if not all, graduate scheme applications are made available online - meaning that you can review, save and edit your application before finally sending it off to an employer.

To create a successful application it is important to make the most of these benefits. By adding information in over a longer length of time it will mean that your application will build to the best of your ability, including the most simplistic but easily unrecognised spelling and grammar mistakes.

By avoiding making rushed applications close to the deadlines, making an application as personal and individual as possible and reading up on the employer beforehand, an application is sure to impress and land an amazing opportunity with a graduate scheme.

And they are ready to start taking on applicants now. So start early, think forwards and get ready to take a trip of a lifetime down the road to a graduate scheme.