First-class job prospects for class of 2015

First-class job prospects for class of 2015 by Michael Cheary Today’s graduates have a real reason to feel positive about the jobs market, with both employment opportunities and starting salaries growing significantly year-on-year, according to our latest figures.77 per cent more job vacancies in 2015Graduates want to learn and earn with apprenticeships attracting 85% more applicationsAverage annual graduate salary stands above expectations at £26,179More vacancies, more moneyAccording to the reed.co.uk Job Index (which tracks the number of new job opportunities and the current salaries on offer), the number of job vacancies is up 77 per cent compared to the same time in 2014, and 7 per cent up on Q1 2015.The average annual salary is also on the rise, currently standing at £26,000, and 2 per cent above the rate of inflation.Graduate growth across the boardSome of the biggest rises in graduate vacancies have been seen in more unconventional areas. The industry boasting the highest annual employment growth for gradua tes was motoring and automotive (+112%), followed by and construction and property (+78%). 25 of the 37 sectors analysed have experienced annual growth of 12% or more.The sectors advertising the most graduate opportunities are recruitment consultancy, sales, education, technology and marketing PR.A lot to account forGraduates looking to become qualified accountants or work in financial services have the highest earning power, with annual average starting salaries close to hitting £40,000.Graduate engineers ( £31,344) and developers ( £28,940) can also look forward to earning a higher than average salary in their first year post university.The South East of England is the region of the UK with the highest density of graduate vacancies. Graduates working there can look forward to taking home an average salary of £26,964. The West Midlands, East Midlands and North West have shown annual jobs growth of 58%, 45% and 25% respectively.Salary expectations on the riseWith hefty student lo ans to pay, this year’s graduates expect to earn £25,557 per annum compared to £23,857 last year.What’s more, a number of graduates are looking to continue their studies whilst earning, as the apprenticeship sector has attracted 85% more applications from graduates in June 2015 compared to the same time last year.!Want to learn more about what’s affecting the job market this month? Visit the reed.co.uk Job Index page now.