Applications for the Graduate Management Programme have now closed.
Questions?
Below you'll find a list of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to the Graduate Management Programme. They're grouped around particular areas to make it easy to find the information you are looking for.
Anyone who holds a 2.2 degree, in any subject, achieved before 31 July 2022, and who is legally entitled to work in the UK and satisfies the Nationality Requirements for appointment to the NICS, is eligible to apply for the Graduate Management Programme.
You are eligible to apply for the Graduate Management Programme if you satisfy both the Nationality and Right to Work requirements.
Nationality rules
Applicants must be either:
Further guidance on Nationality Requirements for working in the NICS can be found on the NICS Recruitment website.
Information on Right to Work requirements can be found at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Yes, you can apply, although you must be able to provide evidence that your degree is at a comparable level to that required by the Graduate Management Programme. You are responsible for providing documentation and meeting any associated costs and HRConnect will normally ask to see this during pre-appointment checks.
Yes, don't be put off applying for the Graduate Management Programme because you have a conviction.
A Criminal Record Check will be carried out by AccessNI or relevant body on successful applicants being considered for appointment. HRConnect will contact you after the assessment centres have been completed and you will be asked to fill in the AccessNI application form.
All information we receive relating to convictions is destroyed once a decision has been made.
Yes. You will be guaranteed a permanent job subject to pre-employment checks, satisfactory completion of your probation period and acceptable standards of performance, conduct and attendance while on the Programme.
The application process for the Graduate Management Programme involves:
You can find more information on each stage in the Candidate Information Booklet.
If you require adjustments to enable you to complete any part of the application process you must let us know as soon as you can. There is a section on the application form where you can detail any adjustments you will need, so that we can put arrangements into place. We may need to contact you to discuss your requirements and relevant supporting information will need to be provided such as a GP medical statement or an occupational psychologist report.
Please note that we cannot apply reasonable adjustments retrospectively.
More details on disability requirements and reasonable adjustments can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet. You can also read our policy on Recruiting and Appointing People with Disabilities.
You will receive an email with a link to the online assessment. The assessment consists of 3 tests.
Full details of how to access and complete the tests will be available in the Candidate Information Booklet.
Yes. Online familiarisation materials will be available on the test site and full details will be included in the Candidate Information Booklet.
It is recommended that you use these both to familiarise yourself with the tests and the type of questions, but also to ensure that your browser and internet connection are compatible with the online tests.
We anticipate that the majority of candidates should be informed of their test results by early November 2022.
Yes. Feedback will include your pass mark, score, percentile and how your score was worked out.
If you are among the top performing candidates at the online test stage, then you will progress to the eligibility check. This is when we will check that your application meets the eligibility criteria for the Graduate Management Programme.
Those who meet the eligibility criteria will progress to the assessment centre.
Requests to reschedule assessment centres will only be considered in very exceptional circumstances.
The assessment centres will be held in central Belfast.
Each assessment centre is likely to last a half day and will consist of 4 parts: a written exercise, a group exercise, a presentation and an interview. Further details on each exercise can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet.
There are no practice exercises for the assessment centre. However, you should familiarise yourself with the NICS Competency Framework and the specific competencies required for the role as these are being assessed during the assessment centre.
We anticipate that candidates will be notified of the results of the assessment centre by mid-December.
Yes. You will get brief written feedback on your performance in each of the exercises.
We anticipate that successful candidates will start on the Graduate Management Programme in January 2023.
No. The Graduate Management Programme involves a number of placements across different departments and locations to build your knowledge and skills. By applying for this Programme you are agreeing to work in any NICS location.
A Criminal Record Check will be carried out by AccessNI or relevant body on all successful applicants who are being considered for appointment. HRConnect will contact you after the assessment centres have been completed and you will be asked to fill in the AccessNI application form. Please note that this must be returned within the specified deadline or your application will be withdrawn.