NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027 | Apply Now
Applications are open for the 2027 NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, which will recruit approximately 250 trainees for September 2027 entry. The scheme is designed for graduates seeking full-time employment and structured preparation for management and leadership careers within the NHS.
Trainees will combine employment with professional leadership training, work placements and, for some specialisms, academic study. Successful candidates are expected to begin on the first Monday of September 2027.
About NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme is part of the NHS College of Leadership and Management. It develops future NHS leaders through employment, professional training, academic qualifications and practical experience across NHS organisations in England.
The scheme has operated since 1956 and places trainees in NHS organisations across England. Placement matching is based on assessment scores, applicant preferences and available placements. A preferred region or exact placement is therefore not guaranteed.
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About The 2027 NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
The programme provides at least two years of work experience alongside structured leadership development. Trainees are employed full-time for the duration of their selected scheme and normally receive a fixed-term contract.
- Entry: September 2027
- Expected start: First Monday of September 2027
- Location: NHS organisations across England
- Employment: Full-time, fixed-term NHS employment
- Standard contract: 24 months
- Finance and Engineering & Estates Management contract: 30 months
- Starting salary: £31,276
- Salary progression: The salary may increase to £33,681 after 12 months
Current NHS employees may also apply as in-service trainees. They must meet the same academic and right-to-work requirements as other applicants.
Available Specialisms
- General Management
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Digital – Health Informatics
- Engineering & Estates Management
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1. General Management
This pathway includes academic study leading to a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership. The contract normally lasts 24 months.
2. Human Resources
The Human Resources pathway provides employment and development experience in NHS people management and organisational functions. The standard contract length is 24 months.
3. Finance
The Finance pathway lasts 30 months. Good numeracy is highly recommended, although applicants do not need a specific numeracy qualification.
4. Digital – Health Informatics
The Digital – Health Informatics pathway normally lasts 24 months. Good numeracy and experience with quantitative data, statistics or mathematical modelling are highly recommended.
5. Engineering & Estates Management
This pathway lasts 30 months and is intended for applicants with the specified engineering background. The degree must be accredited by the Engineering Council.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Applicants for General Management, Human Resources, Finance and Digital – Health Informatics must have at least a 2:2 degree in any subject, an accepted postgraduate qualification, or an accepted health- or management-related degree-level equivalent qualification.
- Applicants for Engineering & Estates Management must have at least a 2:2 degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Building Services Engineering.
- The engineering degree must be accredited by the Engineering Council.
- Applicants with an MEng (Hons), whether completed through a BEng plus master’s route or a structured four-year MEng, are not eligible for Engineering & Estates Management.
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the scheme.
- Offers are subject to pre-employment checks, including immigration status, qualification verification and proof of address in the UK.
- Current NHS employees must meet the same academic and right-to-work requirements as external applicants.
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Salary And Benefits
- Starting salary of £31,276.
- Potential salary increase to £33,681 after 12 months.
- Automatic enrolment in the NHS Pension Scheme.
- Eligibility for the Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to the Cycle2Work scheme and other NHS benefits.
- Fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership for General Management trainees.
- Professional leadership training, academic study and practical work experience.
Recruitment And Selection
The selection process combines online assessments with a half-day Virtual Assessment Centre. Candidates receive feedback reports after completing the first two assessment stages.
- Registration and application: Candidates register and submit their application for a selected specialism.
- Future Potential Assessment: This takes approximately 45 minutes and is not time-limited. A feedback report is provided after completion.
- NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment: This takes approximately 60 minutes and includes video responses. Only the video questions are timed, and candidates receive a feedback report after completing the assessment.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: Half-day assessment centres begin in January 2027 and run through February 2027.
Video interview responses are manually reviewed, and artificial intelligence is not used for this part of the process. Following the Virtual Assessment Centre, candidates receive one of three outcomes: an immediate offer, placement on the reserve list or an unsuccessful outcome.
Preparation support includes practice tests, hints and tips videos, coaching calls and platform familiarisation resources. Reasonable adjustments are available during selection, and assessors receive training on recognising and avoiding unconscious bias.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 28th October, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Application-related enquiries may be directed to assessment@graduates.nhs.uk.