The NHS is one of the most fundamental public services in the UK. Citizens of the United Kingdom are extremely lucky to have such a competent and dedicated group of professionals working day in and day out, to provide medical treatment. However, the NHS is a massive service, and cannot function without good leadership.
This is where the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme comes in! This training scheme is designed to pick out the next generation of NHS managers and leaders. In this blog, we’ll provide you with all the information you need on how to apply, and what the application process involves.
What is the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme?
The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme has been set up to help find the next generation of NHS Leaders. Candidates to the scheme will have the opportunity to join one of six different specialisms:
- Finance Management
- General Management
- Health Analysis
- Health Informatics Management
- Human Resources Management
- Policy and Strategy Management
Candidates can also apply for The Department of Health & Social Care fast-track scheme, but there are limited places and application times available for this.
Upon joining the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, you will be given the chance to work with currently existing managers, NHS professionals, patients, relatives of patients, and other essential individuals. You will be trained in the NHS decision making process, and what goes on behind the scenes in improving the NHS to meet medical standards, saving lives in the process. You’ll build your skills and experience, in preparation for a full-time role as an NHS manager.
When you apply to the graduate training scheme, you will be asked to nominate three preferred regions in which to work. Although the NHS does not guarantee to meet your requirements, they will do their best to ensure every candidate is placed in a location where they feel comfortable.
If you do succeed in the selection process, and go through the scheme, then you will be expected to take a job with the NHS within the space of two years. If this does not happen, then the NHS reserve the right to charge for the time spent training you.
NHS Eligibility Criteria
Due to the nature of the training scheme, and the quality of the training that candidates will receive, it goes without saying that the eligibility criteria for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme is strict. Below we’ve listed some of the key elements that you’ll need to meet, before you can apply:
Education. In order to apply to the Department of Health fast-track scheme, you will be required to have 2:1 degree in any subject. For other specialisms, you must be able to show at least a 2:2, again in any subject.
Living Status. In order to apply for the management training scheme, you must have permission to work in the UK for the duration of the training scheme, and have a valid visa. As someone who is enrolled on the training scheme, you will be full-time employed. You will need to demonstrate to the application board that you have the right to work in the UK, prior to being accepted.
Criminal Record. Having any type of criminal record or legal mark against your name will severely impact your chances of successful application. Full details of this can be found on the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme webpage.
Past Experience. It might surprise you to learn that the NHS does not look specifically for candidates who have past medical experience for this scheme. However, having past experience will still really help with your application, and could prove to be invaluable at the interview stage. It’s advised that you try to conduct voluntary work if you can, prior to application, in order to strengthen your chances.
For most information on the eligibility criteria, visit http://www.nhsgraduates.co.uk/applications/entry-requirements/
The NHS Application Process
The Application Process for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme is long and difficult. It is designed this way for a reason – to identify the very best candidates, and filter out those who are unsuitable for the position. The application process is structured as follows:
Application Form. Here, you will need to fill out an online application form, listing your preferences for location, personal details, and potentially answering some competency-based questions.
Online Tests. Following the application form, you will be asked to take a series of online tests. You must reach a minimum mark in each test, before moving on to the next test. These tests are as follows:
- A video situational judgement exercise;
- A personality profiler;
- A numerical reasoning test;
- A verbal reasoning test;
- A critical reasoning test.
Video Interview. After successful completion of the online tests, you will be invited to take part in a video interview, with a representative of the graduate training scheme.
Assessment Centre. The final stage in the process is to take part in an assessment centre day, where you will be given a number of interactive challenges and exercises, designed to filter the very best candidates out from the crowd.
Later this week, we’ll be providing you with a full breakdown of all the selection tests and more detail on what they involve. So, stay tuned!
If you want to further increase your chances of securing an NHS career, then we’ve got the perfect resource for you! Our NHS interview hub is jam-packed with tips and tricks on how answer just about any medical interview question that you can think of. So, don’t hang around. Sign up below, and get notified on how YOU can join the NHS!
