About this opportunity
Applications are open for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027 entry, a leadership and management programme that recruits graduates and eligible applicants into full-time NHS employment rather than a conventional university course.
The Scheme combines employment, professional development, academic study and practical experience across five specialisms: general management, human resources, finance, digital and health informatics, and engineering and estates management. Trainees earn while they learn, with a listed minimum starting salary of £31,276 and the possibility of an increase to £33,681 after 12 months, alongside NHS employment benefits including the NHS Pension Scheme, an Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle2Work. Depending on placement location, salary varies. The NHS reports that the average salary earned by trainees in their first NHS role after completing the Scheme is around £44,000, though actual figures vary.
Entry requirements are lower than many graduates expect. For general management, human resources, finance and digital and health informatics, the standard minimum is a 2:2 degree in any subject. Engineering and estates management has separate academic requirements, needing at least a 2:2 in an appropriate engineering discipline accredited by the Engineering Council for the relevant route to professional chartership. Applicants holding an MEng, whether through a BEng plus Master's or a structured four year MEng, are not eligible for the Estates Engineering Management specialism. No previous work experience is required, there is no age limit, current NHS employees may apply, and final-year students can apply provided they obtain their final confirmed degree classification of at least 2:2 by mid August 2027.
One requirement carries real weight: every candidate must have the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme, and because this is employment rather than study, applicants are responsible for holding the appropriate immigration status or visa. The 2027 recruitment process runs through online assessments and a half-day Virtual Assessment Centre, and applications close on 28 October 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
What you receive
- Full-time NHS employment with a salaried training route
- Minimum starting salary of £31,276, with a possible increase to £33,681 after 12 months
- Access to the NHS Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle2Work scheme
- Structured professional development, academic study and leadership training
- Practical NHS work experience across placements
- Support from programme and placement teams throughout the trainee journey
- Support finding a first substantive NHS post after completion, with an average first role salary reported around £44,000
- Recruitment focused on passion, potential and leadership capability rather than where you studied
Who can apply
- A 2:2 degree in any subject for general management, human resources, finance and digital and health informatics
- At least a 2:2 degree in an appropriate Engineering Council accredited engineering discipline for engineering and estates management
- The right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme, with applicants responsible for their own immigration status or visa
- An interest in health and care, and a view that the Scheme is an appropriate career move
- Final-year students may apply if they obtain their final confirmed degree classification of at least 2:2 by mid August 2027
- Current NHS employees may apply as in-service trainees and must meet the same academic and right to work requirements
- No specific previous work experience is required and there is no age limit
Who should not apply
- Applicants who cannot show the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the Scheme are not eligible
- Holders of an MEng, whether through a BEng plus Master's or a structured four year MEng, are not eligible for the Estates Engineering Management specialism
- The Scheme does not offer academic eligibility exceptions simply because an applicant already works for the NHS
- A preferred region cannot be guaranteed, since placement availability varies
Documents to prepare
- Completed online application through the NHS GMTS application system
- Your degree classification details, or your expected classification if you are in your final year
- Proof of your right to work in the UK for the full duration of the Scheme
- Your specialism preferences and location preferences
- Details of any current NHS employment if you apply as an in-service candidate
How to apply
- Check the entry requirements for the specialism you want, since academic requirements differ between pathways, at https://graduates.nhs.uk/apply-1/
- Confirm you hold the right to work in the UK for the whole Scheme before you apply
- Submit your application through the NHS GMTS application system at https://nhs-gmts.ambertrack.co.uk/ before 28 October 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
- Complete Stage 1, the Future Potential Assessment, using the practice materials provided to prepare
- Complete Stage 2, the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment, which includes timed video responses that are reviewed by the NHS team rather than by artificial intelligence
- Attend the half-day Virtual Assessment Centre if you pass the online stages
- Wait for placement allocation, then complete pre-employment checks and onboarding
Selection process
- Registration and application, with applications for 2027 entry currently open
- Stage 1: the Future Potential Assessment, completed online
- Stage 2: the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment, including video responses with practice questions available beforehand. Only the video based questions are timed, and the overall assessment takes approximately one hour
- Virtual Assessment Centre: a half-day final assessment stage for candidates who pass the online stages
- Placement allocation: successful candidates are matched with available NHS placements, with preferences considered but not guaranteed
- Pre-employment checks and onboarding before the Scheme begins
- The NHS states its commitment to equality of opportunity, so candidates should not receive less favourable treatment on grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Do I need work experience?
No. The Scheme does not require specific work experience as an eligibility condition, because its recruitment approach focuses on potential rather than employment history.
What degree do I need?
For general management, human resources, finance and digital and health informatics the standard minimum is a 2:2 in any subject. Engineering and estates management requires a relevant accredited engineering degree.
Can I choose where I work?
You can indicate regional preferences and the NHS will endeavour to match you with the closest possible placement, but a preferred region cannot necessarily be guaranteed because placement availability varies.
Is the scheme paid?
Yes. Trainees are full-time NHS employees with a listed minimum starting salary of £31,276 and the possibility of an increase to £33,681 after 12 months, plus NHS employment benefits.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
