Information on recruitment for the next MTS cohort will be available here when confirmed

Any top tips for making my application?

Our selection process is based around a number of skills and behaviours, called leadership capabilities. You will be asked about five of these in your application: self-leadership, vision, collaborating and influencing, motivating and inspiring, creativity and innovation. Please see 'Making Your Application' for more information.

I haven't yet completed my SCQF level 10 qualification, can I still apply?

Yes you can, if you are anticipating being qualified to that level by the start of the Scheme in September. If that is the case, answer 'yes' to the question 'Are you qualified to SCQF level 10?' and provide details in the 'future qualifications' section.

Why is the character count different when I cut and paste into the application form?

The software is different and may include punctuation, spaces etc when counting characters.

When I cut and paste from Word into the application form, the punctuation is omitted – why is this?

The recruitment system software is different and omits this but retains the relevant written information.

The system crashed and I was unable to complete my application

Routinely this should not occur, however, if you do have issues with our system when completing your application and you run out of time, please take a screenshot and email this to us so we can investigate.

I have moved address / changed my surname since applying for this post – can I update these?

Yes, you can edit your personal details at any time.

What psychometric tests will I be asked to undertake?

Psychometric tests are designed to evaluate areas such as verbal and numerical reasoning, and problem solving.  We will provide more details when we send you the invitation to the test.  

I don't have a finance or health-related qualification, can I still apply?

Yes. We are looking for people who can demonstrate a passion for improving health and care in Scotland. The subject of your qualification wouldn't be a barrier to you applying.

I’m a PHD student, can I apply?

Yes. Your qualification needs to be equivalent to SCQF level 10, then you are chosen based on your application assessment and interview performance. 

I achieved my qualification a few years ago, can I still apply?

Yes.  It doesn't matter when you achieved your qualification.  

All candidates require legal permission to live and work in the UK for the entire duration of the MTS and it is your responsibility to ensure you have this. You will need to have the relevant right to work in place to take up any offer of employment and you will also need to notify us immediately of any changes to your immigration status after application.

Please note that under very limited circumstances we may be able to provide sponsorship for you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. This will depend on individual circumstances and eligibility, and it would be your responsibility to re-locate where applicable. Due to the nature of the role all trainees must be based within Scotland.  

If you will require a Skilled Worker visa, please ensure you check the eligibility criteria with the Home Office before you apply.  

More information about the Skilled Worker visa requirements on the gov.uk website

Is the culture hierarchical?

NHS Scotland is a large, complex organisation, employing 160,000 people over multiple sites across the country. You will have the opportunity to gain work experience across different areas and experience different cultures in workplaces incorporating a number of different professions. Our focus, however, is to work in partnership and collaborate across boundaries and organisations, including Health and Care.

How will I be supported as a Management Trainee?

The roles can be challenging, but we support all NHS Scotland staff by ensuring our values are promoted and adhered to. As an organisation we are proactive about staff engagement and improving the staff experience. In addition, you will have a mentor, coach, line manager and also the Scheme manager who will ensure that you are well supported and equipped to carry out the roles successfully.

Where will I be working?

You will be hosted within an NHS Scotland Health Board doing a variety of management and leadership roles for the three years of the Scheme. All Trainees should expect to undertake a certain amount of travel throughout the 3-year programme. You may be offered a place in any one of the 22 Health Boards.

How will I be allocated a post?

We will discuss host Boards with successful candidates and decisions will be made based on the availability of placements.  We will take into account, where possible, of candidates' needs and preferences.

How long are the work placements?

You will have a number of work placements during your three years with a host Board.  In the first 2 years of the Scheme, placements are approximately 9 months long, followed by a 1-year placement in your third year.

Is there a good retention rate in the Scheme?

Yes. In general our trainees are successful in applying for permanent roles within the Health and Care Sector in Scotland after their 3 years in the Scheme.

Is the Master’s/post-graduate study fully funded?

Yes, to a maximum of £12,000 in total. Please note, we will only fund study that falls within the three-year contract as a Management Trainee.

I already have a Master’s level qualification – do I have to do another?

The Masters level qualification we offer will be health related, which may be different to your current one. If you already have relevant Masters, you will have an option to study post-graduate certificate or diploma in a relevant area.  

Can I choose which qualification I do?

We discuss the choice of the appropriate qualifications with successful candidates for the Scheme. The course of study needs to be relevant to the Scheme objectives, including health/healthcare management as part of the core content. 

Is the elective placement in NHS Scotland?

The aim of the elective is to offer you exposure to different organisations and cultures. This could be in other parts of your host Board, but Trainees have also gone to a range of other organisations within and outside Health and Care in Scotland.