Julia tells us her experience of the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme

I first became aware of the graduate scheme when searching for open positions on the NHS' website. The program seemed like a fantastic opportunity for someone like me with a serious interest in healthcare but no practical experience in the industry.  I was also impressed by the educational component of the scheme; as part of Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS), graduates take part in the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson program and work towards a healthcare diploma alongside their regular NHS role.

The scheme is two years long and consists of two one-year placements and a two month flexi-placement. The year-long placements are assigned to you and are designed to give you a great overview of how the NHS works. In contrast, the flexi-placement is chosen and arranged by the graduate and can be any role related to healthcare, either in the NHS or at another organisation in England. This allows you to really craft your experience around your interests, build a diverse professional network and set yourself up for a rewarding career afterwards.

When I received news of my acceptance onto the scheme I was also told that I had been allocated to the Hertfordshire and West Essex area. This worked out brilliantly because it allows me to continue to live in London and commute to Hertfordshire several days a week. GMTS is a national scheme and so there is always the possibility of having to relocate to your assigned area though the NHS does its best to place graduates in their preferred locations. Changing locations can be a bit daunting but it also represents a great opportunity to learn some place new (and in the end is only temporary!)

I started at my first placement with East and North Herts CCG (now Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board) in March 2020. I was at the CCG for just three weeks before the arrival of COVID-19 cut my induction short and I was reassigned to a data role within a national, remote COVID team. Essentially, this meant that my very first role with the NHS was a completely unexpected one! I ended up working with the Bring Back Staff campaign from April to July and supported their efforts to deploy retired NHS workers to the front line. This was extremely rewarding and allowed me to work within a new and very dedicated team as well as gain an entirely new set of skills.

When my COVID role ended in July, I went back to my original role as Project Manager at the CCG. I now help to manage their diabetes program as well as various projects related to chronic kidney disease and mental health. Here at East and North Herts CCG (now Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board) we are continually looking at the way healthcare is delivered in the Hertfordshire and West Essex area and identifying ways in which this care can be improved, all while working within a tight budget. Having this perspective on how the NHS plans and commissions its services has been invaluable and is a great background for my second placement, which will be an operational role at Hertfordshire Community Trust.

For anyone with an interest in the NHS, I cannot recommend the graduate program enough. It is truly a life-changing experience and an excellent way to launch your career in healthcare.

For more information on the Graduate Management Training Scheme click here.