University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust invited graduates and existing NHS employees to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital to learn about NHS Leadership Academy’s Graduate Management Training Scheme.

The session gave people interested in joining NHS management the opportunity to hear about what the scheme involves, provided information on the different areas of the NHS the scheme feeds into and included Q&As with both alumni of the scheme and individuals currently undertaking the qualification.

The multi-award winning scheme provides leadership training in a number of non-clinical sectors in the NHS, including General Management, Human Resources, Health Analytics, Health Informatics, Policy and Strategy, and Finance. The programme takes two years to complete, or 2.5 years if specialising in Finance, and includes placements within the NHS, as well as one external placement.

Successful applicants receive a minimum salary of £24,628 per annum for the duration of the scheme, with pay protection provided to existing NHS employees. Once studies are complete, the scheme provides support with applications for competitive early leadership roles.

Robert Watkins, Deputy Divisional Finance Manager at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, who completed the Graduate Management Scheme in 2015, said: "I’d urge anyone who is both ambitious and passionate about the NHS to apply for the scheme. It’s a brilliant way to gain the vital skills needed to enjoy a successful, varied and impactful management career in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of everyone in the UK.”

Download the presentation shared at the NHS Leadership’s Graduate Training Scheme information session below. Applications for the September 2020 intake close at 23:30 on Wednesday 18 December. Applicants must hold a university degree (minimum 2:2), or an equivalent qualification. More information is available on the NHS Graduates website via the link below.