Professional Development

Graduate Management Trainee Programme

What is the Graduate Management Trainee Scheme?

The Graduate Management Trainee (GMT) scheme is designed to provide the foundation for a Professional services career in the Higher Education (HE) sector. It is an 18-month scheme, in which trainees typically undertake three placements in different key service areas. Placements could take place across any of the university’s UK campuses. Each placement has different responsibilities, including a blend of project work and operational service delivery. This provides the trainees with the opportunity to develop broad skills and experience in HE management and operations.

The history of the scheme

The University of Nottingham has run a Graduate Management Trainee scheme since 2008, including as part of the Ambitious Futures Programme for University Leadership, which closed in 2020. The new GMT scheme has been running since September 2021. 

Three graduates throwing mortarboards
 

Scheme requirements

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must have at least a 2:1 in a first degree in any subject OR a postgraduate qualification (either obtained in the last 5 years or anticipated by the start date of the scheme).

Skills and experience

An interest in and understanding of HE issues is essential.

Skills required for the role include:

  • Strong interpersonal skills and relationship management
  • Good at tackling problems and coming up with viable solutions
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Good organisational and planning skills
  • Good team working skills and the ability to work effectively with staff at different levels of the organisation
  • Ability to work on own initiative in a proactive and driven manner
  • Excellent IT skills, with experience of MS Office
  • Willingness to learn and embrace opportunities

 

Benefits and opportunities

Pay and benefits

Graduate Management Trainees are in the Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)  job family, paid at Level 4 Career Training Grade. Information on University of Nottingham salary scales is available here and you can also read about the reward and benefits available to University of Nottingham staff.

Development opportunities

Trainees are assigned a senior member of university staff as a mentor. There is a Learning Community of GMTs with online resources about the HE sector, personal effectiveness, and leadership, as well as a monthly peer discussion forum. There is also an opportunity to join a Community of Practice with trainees from other universities. Depending on availability, trainees may have the opportunity to undertake an ILM Certificate in Leadership and Management (Level 5)

After the scheme

The scheme is an 18-month fixed-term contract of employment. In the final months, GMTs can enter the university’s redeployment scheme to find their next role at the university. It is expected that GMTs would be prepared for a Level 4 role after completing this scheme. Previous trainees have built successful careers in areas including, but not limited to, HR, Digital and Technology services, Research Support, International Partnerships, and HE consultancy.

 

How to apply 

The next cohort to be recruited would start their roles in September 2024. Information about applications for this cohort will be available in early 2024; assessment centres and interviews will take place in the Spring.

The roles will be advertised on the University of Nottingham’s page for current vacancies.

A large group of graduates celebrating
 

Professional Development

B12
Kings' Meadow Campus
Lenton Lane
Nottingham, NG7 2NR

telephone: +44 (0) 115 74 84800
email: pd@nottingham.ac.uk