People that have previously applied to Vacation Schemes and Direct Training Contracts
Are Direct TC applications more competitive on average? What are the differences and is there anything particular that one should take note of when applying to TC instead of VS?
My Graduate visa is expiring so my only real chance is TC going forward if I get nothing this cycle.
It's not about how competitive it is; it's how many places they allocate to VS vs TC. Some firms have a set number of places per year. Vacation Schemes happen first, so they give x places during that and then have y places for DTC applicants. Conversion rate of the VS and the total places available are factors.
The other thing is that VS gives you the opportunity to prove your ability. Firms are therefore more likely to offer a VS place than a DTC (Less to lose), and then high-performing candidates have more opportunity to prove themselves than they would have during a DTC application. However, that works both ways if you have a bad showing.
If you have no legal experience, then VS is much more likely (firms will want you to prove you know what the job entails, etc., and also be sure it's something that you as a candidate really want). If you have been to vacation schemes, done internships, legal work etc then this isn't as big as a factor (although some firms prefer it as you can see if you match well with the firm and will follow through the TC).
TLDR: depends on the firm and the candidate.
