Kingfisher has announced new changes for its graduate scheme this year, including the launch of an IT services programme, as it takes on its fresh recruits for 2013.
The aim of the scheme is to recruit multilingual and 'mobile-early' talent to work for two years in commercial roles in different Kingfisher operating companies, alongside the central feature of developing a strong leadership team and pool of talent.

This is the second year of the Kingfisher International Graduate Programme, and it now includes the Castorama France and B&Q China arms of the business. The retailer has also launched the Kingfisher IT Services (KITS) programme where graduates will spend time learning about IT across the businesses in the UK and France. They will gain first-hand knowledge of the systems and processes and how omnichannel retailing has become a major focus across the group.

The graduates will be spread out and working at Castorama France, B&Q UK & Ireland and B&Q China, where they will join the commercial teams and be involved in the product buying process, being responsible for product development, supplier briefing, negotiation and assessing customer feedback.

One of the graduates joins the scheme from his role as a junior buyer, tools, at Brico Dépôt in France, while the rest have just left university.

Commenting on the graduate programme, Liz Bell, group talent development director, said: "The goal of each of our graduate programmes is to create a strong young talent pool for the commercial and IT teams across all of our operating companies. Developing our One Team leadership group is a key part of our 'Creating the Leader' strategy so it is vital that we invest in talent in the early stages of their careers.

"With our international reach we can offer graduates the opportunity to travel between businesses and markets, gaining unrivalled experience and insight into international retailing," she added.

The Kingfisher Graduate Programme originally launched in July last year and it included more varied departments of the businesses, including decorative, building and showroom (kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms). Last year, graduates received a starting salary of £28,000.