NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027
Applications are now open for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) 2027 entry.
The scheme is designed for people who want to develop their potential and progress towards becoming future NHS leaders. The recruitment process focuses on your strengths, potential and passion rather than the subject you studied, the university you attended or previous work experience.
Applications close: 28 October 2026 at 11:30am.
Job Details
- Programme: NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS)
- Entry: 2027
- Sector: NHS / Healthcare Management
- Start date: First Monday of September 2027
- Application deadline: 28 October 2026 at 11:30am
- Assessment: Online assessments and Virtual Assessment Centre
- Current NHS employees: Eligible to apply as ‘in-service’ trainees
About the Graduate Management Training Scheme
The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme provides an opportunity to develop the skills and experience needed for a future career in NHS leadership.
The selection process is designed to identify candidates based on their strengths and potential. Applicants do not need to have studied a particular subject or attended a particular university, and the scheme states that previous work experience is not the focus of the recruitment process.
Recruitment and Selection Process
The application process consists of several stages.
Stage 1 – Future Potential Assessment
The first stage is an online Future Potential Assessment.
- Takes approximately 45 minutes
- Not time limited
- Practice questions are available before starting
- Candidates who are successful can progress to Stage 2
- All candidates receive a feedback report
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because successful candidates will then have more time to complete their assessments.
Stage 2 – NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment
Candidates who successfully complete Stage 1 can proceed to the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment.
This stage takes approximately 60 minutes and includes video responses, allowing candidates to demonstrate more about themselves as individuals.
The video questions are timed, but candidates receive preparation time before recording their responses. Practice opportunities are also provided.
The scheme states that all video interview responses are manually reviewed and that artificial intelligence is not used for this process.
Successful candidates will be invited to the Virtual Assessment Centre.
Stage 3 – Virtual Assessment Centre
The Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC) is the final assessment stage.
The half-day assessment includes several exercises and provides candidates with an opportunity to meet NHS staff and other applicants.
VACs are scheduled to take place during January and February 2027.
Candidates will receive a feedback report following this stage regardless of the outcome.
VAC Outcomes
Following the Virtual Assessment Centre, candidates may receive one of three outcomes:
- Successful: An immediate offer will be made
- Reserve list: Candidates may be contacted if a place becomes available
- Unsuccessful: The application will not progress further
Placement Allocation
Placement allocation takes place after the assessment process.
Successful candidates who receive offers will be matched with available placement opportunities within NHS organisations.
The scheme will consider candidates’ assessment scores and placement preferences when making allocations and will endeavour to match individuals with the closest possible placement based on their preferences.
Offer and Onboarding
Candidates who successfully pass the VAC and are matched with a placement will receive an offer to join the scheme.
Pre-employment checks and onboarding will then take place so successful candidates are ready to start on the first Monday of September 2027.
Preparation and Support
Applicants receive access to preparation materials as they progress through the recruitment process.
Support includes:
- Hints and tips videos
- Practice tests
- Assessment preparation materials
- Coaching calls before the VAC
- Platform familiarisation videos
- Technical checks for equipment and internet connection
The preparation materials are not compulsory, but the scheme encourages applicants to use them when preparing for each stage.
Reasonable Adjustments and Fair Assessment
Applicants who require reasonable adjustments during the selection process are encouraged to notify the recruitment team.
The scheme states that only the information needed to arrange appropriate support is required.
Assessors receive training designed to help provide a fair and inclusive assessment experience, including training on recognising and avoiding unconscious bias.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should check the official entry requirements before beginning their application.
The scheme is also open to current NHS employees, who can apply as ‘in-service’ trainees.
Important Application Date
Applications close: 28 October 2026 at 11:30am.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time to complete the online assessment stages.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme are now open.
Apply through the official Graduate Management Training Scheme application page.
Source: Graduate Management Training Scheme / NHS