You’ve made it onto the scheme… now what?
In true NHS style, where better to start with “Hello my name is”… Jordon, and i’m a Diagnostic Radiography graduate from the University of Liverpool. Having been a Radiographer for a year, I was well aware of the clinical pressures the NHS faced – but I wanted to learn more about the operational and financial challenges that were on the horizon. That is where the Graduate Scheme came in.
Before I applied I was in awe of the opportunities the scheme provided (and never for one second believed I would get in!). The high quality training and education programme really appealed to me, and I relished the chance to get more involved with the NHS on a managerial level. Fast forward 10 months, many online tests, a challenging interview, and an even more challenging assessment day (but very rewarding!) here I am, about to start the scheme.
I am very proud to have been selected to take part in the Emergency Services pilot scheme along with 3 other trainees. This includes placements at the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust which is a major trauma centre. I look forward to finding out more about this new stream and sharing my experiences in these blogs over the next 2 years. With it being a new scheme, I am naturally excited – but also nervous, as there is the sense of heading into the unknown!
I wanted to use my first blog post to highlight to potential applicants the support you get from the moment you accept your place on the scheme.
Firstly, after receiving your offer in April, the NHS Leadership Academy send you a monthly “Grad Mail”. This covers a range of topics, such as important dates for your diary, education information, and ways in which you can start your preparation for the scheme early. Pathmotion “live chats” run alongside this, and are a chance for you to ask senior figures within the Leadership Academy any questions you have about the scheme. These are a fantastic resource, and address anything you may be unsure about throughout the onboarding process. You are also given a buddy from the year above, who can provide invaluable advice as they have completed first year and already been through it all.
Furthermore, a number of emails are also sent out which include things such as your contract, new starter forms, and welcome event invitation. These arrive in a logical, concise order and are not too onerous or time consuming to fill out. You are also encouraged strongly to visit your placement organisation so that you can begin to network. I am placed with the North West Ambulance Service first, and I can’t wait to get started after visiting them over the summer!
I haven’t even begun my NHS Grad Scheme journey yet but the support from the Leadership Academy has been fantastic. I am now looking forward to getting stuck in over the next 2 years and seeing where my NHS Grad Scheme journey takes me!