We are looking for creative and innovative thinkers who can employ strong analytical skills to organise thoughts and develop plans by utilising information and facts to evidence the case for change. Close and positive collaboration with professionals will enable you to drive excellence through resilience and an unwavering focus to influence change, transforming and modernising our services.

Q2: Do I need management experience?

The training programme is designed to develop your management and leadership skills. If you have substantial general management experience, then this programme is not for you and you should explore other personal development options.

Q3: How do I know this is for me?

If you are compassionate, innovative, curious and resilient, this programme could be for you. Take the quiz to assess whether your personality and goals are a suitable match for the role.

Q4: Will it help my application if I have some work experience in the NHS?

It isn’t essential, but it will be useful in helping you understand the big challenges of leading in the modern NHS.

Q5: Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for applications to the programme.

Q6: If I already work for the NHS, should I tell my organisation I am applying for the Programme?

If you are successful, your employer may need to agree secondment arrangements and therefore we would advise you to discuss your application in confidence with HR prior to submitting an application.

Q7: How can I find out about the progress of my application?

If you are invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process, you will receive your invitation via email. You are advised to check your email accounts regularly and if you have any queries please email: HEIW.GraduateProgramme@wales.nhs.uk

Q8: What kind of assessment can I expect?

We apply best practice, modern assessment techniques that are designed to give you every opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills and potential. You will be made aware of the standards, competences and skills we are seeking at each stage. We will use Success Profiles to assess your application.

Part of our assessment is about your potential to develop key skills as well as those that you already possess. The assessment methods will include a blend of written, verbal and behavioural skills designed to enable applicants to demonstrate capability and potential in meeting leadership, financial management and general competencies and behaviours in line with NHS Wales core principles.

Q9: How can I prepare for the assessment to give my best?

It is important to be yourself at each assessment stage. We would recommend reviewing available information regarding the Programme including the big challenges of leading in NHS Wales. Our web page and brochure provide more detail about the selection process and can help in your understanding of strategic direction, the financial environment and, the challenges facing NHS Wales currently.

Q10: When do the assessment stages take place?

A timeline of various assessment stages can be viewed on Gwella. We will keep applicants informed at each stage via email.

Q11: How much will I be paid during the Programme?

You can expect a competitive annual salary of £30,280 (Annex 21) plus a number of additional benefits including paid annual leave, NHS Pension, Health and Wellbeing Initiatives, and Health Service Discounts.

Q12: Where will I be based?

You will be based within one host NHS Wales organisation, gaining experience in numerous management roles via three different placements in primary care, secondary care and a corporate division.

We will ask you to identify your preferred employer(s) prior to the Assessment Centre process. Please note that, whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be placed with your preferred choice, if you are selected for the programme, we will try and ensure every effort is made to match you to your preferred location.

Q13: What support and development will I get during the Programme?

Your performance and progress will be closely managed by your Line Manager who will require commitment and will provide feedback on your performance, both work related and academic. During your induction, you will meet senior representatives who will share their insight into the challenges currently faced by the NHS in Wales. You will participate in team building activities to help you get to know your fellow trainees and will embark on a four week organisational tour in your host organisation as part of your orientation.

Your learning and development journey will be fully supported, guided and directed by a wide range of experts. You will have extensive support through at least seven levels of people guiding and cheering you on.

We will help you prepare and develop your pathway to becoming a leader, we will provide you with a package of professional learning which will help maximise your development. You will also take part in Action Learning Sets, working with fellow trainees to support and challenge each other’s learning and development. You will learn to lead through developing and enhancing your professional skills.

Q14: Will I be able to study for a formal qualification?

Alongside work-based learning, you will study for a fully funded Masters degree. This qualification has been specifically tailored to this programme.

Q15: How will my progress be measured during the Programme?

As a Graduate Trainee, you will set objectives at the start of each placement, which will be aligned to a competency framework. You will receive regular performance reviews, during which you will discuss your progress, development targets and academic targets. Your Line Manager will discuss your performance regularly with a view to shaping your development.

Q16: What kind of job opportunities can I expect to have once I have completed the Programme?

There is no guarantee of a permanent position at the end of the programme however, where possible, support will be given to ensure permanent roles are available.

Q17: Do I have to be a Welsh speaker?

It is not essential to speak Welsh to apply for the programme. Applications are open to all.

Q18: How do I apply?

Visit the “Apply” page on Gwella for information on the application process and guidance on applying. We would encourage you to read the job description and person specification carefully before applying. Please ensure you read the application form thoroughly and tailor your responses to each individual question.

Q19: What happens if I leave the programme early?

If you leave the programme early and do not complete that MSc as agreed, you may be required to repay the university fees. However, a process will be in place for you to request that the requirement to repay the university fees is waived if you have reasonable grounds for leaving the programme early for example, ill health that prevents you from working.

Q20: What happens if I am unable to find employment in NHS Wales?

The expectation is you will actively seek employment, at an appropriate level, in NHS Wales following completion of the programme, if you do not take up employment within NHS Wales and remain for a period of 2 years as outlined in the contract you may be required to repay the university fees. However a process will be in place for you to request that the requirement to repay the university fees is waived if you have reasonable grounds for not taking up employment in NHS Wales such as being unsuccessful in securing employment despite actively seeking it, ill health that prevents you from working or other exceptional circumstances that prevent you from taking up employment within NHS Wales.

About the Programme

Meet the Graduates

Homepage