Blemain Group has received 350 applications for its 2012 graduate training scheme, a record number.

There are four roles open at the business’s head office.

The Manchester-based specialist lender received approximately 150 applications in previous years.

The scheme was recently restructured to work on a rotational basis, so successful candidates would spend time in different parts of the business over the course of two years.

36 candidates are now being selected to attend assessment days and one-to-one interviews with senior Blemain Group management. The four successful applicants will start in September.

Kevin Fisher, human resources director at Blemain Group, said: “The number and quality of applications have been much higher than we ever expected. It’s great to see that so many people are attracted to the opportunity of working with us.

“While some business are reducing their graduate intake, we’ve invested heavily into the new scheme, making it centrally-funded so more of our business units can benefit from the experience of having a graduate.

“There is a real wealth of new talent entering the market place and they will make a real difference to the industry given the opportunity.”