Frequently Asked Questions - NHS Graduate Digital, Data & Technology Scheme

1. Is there a limit to the number of applications I can make?

No, you can express an interest in and apply for as many roles as you want.

2. What is my employment status as a member of the graduate scheme?

You will typically be on a two-year fixed-term contract while on the scheme -(can be shorter or longer depending on the role).

3. I have a master’s degree; can I still apply for the graduate scheme?

Yes, we would be delighted to receive your application.

4. Do you offer a rotation during the scheme?

Yes, this is a fundamental part of the scheme and supports your development and growth. Depending where you are based, you will either rotate to another healthcare provider, within your organisation or another role/project(s) within your wider team.

5. How many intakes do you have each year?

We do not have intakes but take applications on a role by role basis across the whole year.

7. How do I know if my application has been received?

You will receive an acknowledgement e-mail from the Graduates into Health recruitment team.

8. What should I do to prepare for the NHS Graduate DDaT Scheme recruitment process?

We want you to be the best version of yourself, so preparation is key.

Our recruitment process is as follow:

  • Online application/motivational questions

  • Online tests (verbal, numerical and critical reasoning)

  • One-way video interview

  • Final stage assessment centre (interview, presentation and group discussion)

If you are successful at each assessment, you will progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Online questions

Please take your time answering the online questions and consider your responses carefully.

Online Tests

For the online tests, we recommend you try the practise questions before completing the actual tests. You will note candidates are required to complete a critical reasoning, verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning test.

To complete the practise questions, please click the link to CAPP site: http://practice.cappassessments.com/

One-Way Video Interview

You should prepare your interview responses for a video interview in the same way you would for a face-to-face interview. Think of using a range of examples from work experience, academic studies and extra-curricular activity.

As well as preparing your interview question responses, please do the following when participating in a one-way video interview:

  • Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions.

  • Ensure your internet connection is stable.

  • Check that your computer’s audio is working.

  • Test your computer’s webcam.

  • Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.

  • Check that the background behind you is neutral and free from clutter.

  • Dress professionally and avoid bright colours.

  • Use hand gestures when appropriate.

  • Be aware of your body language and smile when appropriate.

  • Place your phone in silent mode.

  • Finally, follow any instructions given by the video provider – Shortlister.

Final Stage Assessment Centre

At the final stage assessment centre there will be three distinct activities:

  • Face-to-face interview

  • Presentation

  • Group Activity

The interview

Please be prepared to talk about yourself including your achievements and career aspirations. Also, think about a range of examples you can use for the competency-based questions. As with the one-way video interview, you should use examples from work experience, academic studies and extra-curricular activities. When you respond to the competency-based questions, you may wish to use the STAR model to structure your response – Situation, Task, Action and Result.

The Presentation

You will be required to prepare this in advance of the assessment centre.

Read the instructions and ensure you have answered the question asked. As this will be a timed activity, you should practise at home to ensure you are as near to the time allowed as possible. Please note candidates often speak more quickly during the assessment centre presentation than when practising it. This can be due to nerves, so be aware of this. Be prepared to answer questions on what you’ve presented.

Group Activity

Again, please ensure you follow and understand the instructions of the activity.

Make sure you contribute to the discussion as you will be assessed on what you say. However, don’t dominate the activity and be respectful to the other participants. Be inclusive and draw out quieter members of the group. Build on what others in the group say and don’t be afraid to compromise. Keep an eye on time as it generally flies by and don’t lose sight of what you have been asked to do!

It is also important that you have an understanding of how the NHS works. Please take time to watch the below animation which explains the different organisations that make up the NHS.

9. I have a disability can I still apply for the graduate scheme?

Yes, of course. Please let us know the nature of your disability and we will make the necessary adjustments to our recruitment process.

You can contact us at: info@graduatesintohealth.co.uk

10. Is it mandatory to complete an apprenticeship as part of the NHS Graduate DDaT Scheme?

If you are eligible for an apprenticeship, yes, but if not, a tailored training plan will be created for you.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship you will have to have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

If eligible for an apprencticeship will complete a level 4 or 5 apprenticeship as part of the graduate scheme. However, the digital pathway (Apprenticeship Standard) you follow will depend on several of the following factors:

· Your prior area of study

· The role you have applied for

· Your career aspiration

You will discuss the above with your line manager shortly after commencing the scheme.

11. What are the CPD workshops and how do they support your learning?

Each participant of the scheme will complete the following workshops during the two-year scheme.

Scheme CPD workshops:

· Personal Brand

· Customer Service

· Personal Impact

· Influencing and negotiation

· Managing challenging situations

· Effective communication

· Leadership and management

The workshops were originally identified based on feedback from partner organisations as the qualities and skills they expected to be developed in their graduates. While the purpose of the NHS Graduate DDaT Scheme is to develop technical specialists, it is also about developing participants both personally, professionally and giving them the tools to develop, through experiential application, their leadership capability.

The CPD workshops are endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). ILM is the UK’s leading provider of leadership, management and coaching qualifications.

ILM recognises the content, aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the CPD workshops. As our CPD workshops are endorsed by the ILM, we are monitored by an External Verifier (EV) and required to complete an annual self-assessment.

12. How many roles can I have on the NHS Graduate DDaT Scheme?

At the end of your time on the scheme our expectation is that you have been able to receive all the training and support you require to apply for more senior roles within the NHS. That said, the skills and experience you would have gained during your time on the scheme will mean you could be overqualified for the typical roles we recruit into. Whilst on the scheme, we expect you to fulfill your contractual obligations to your employer and if you have to terminate your contract early for any reason, you would not ordinarily be allowed to take up another role on the scheme.

13. I am from outside the EU, can I still apply for the NHS Graduate DDaT Scheme?

All offers of employment are subject to candidates having the right to work in the UK for the full duration of their time on the scheme.

From July 1 2021, the UK Government introduced a Graduate Visa Route, available to international students on a Tier 4 Student Visa who have completed their studies and wish to stay in the UK to gain work experience.

If you are not eligible for this visa, then check with our recruitment team if the role you are applying for offers a Certificate of Sponsorship.

You can contact the Recruitment team at: info@graduatesintohealth.co.uk