Loughborough Graduate Management Trainee Scheme

Loughborough University is looking to recruit recent graduates to its paid three-year Graduate Management Trainee Scheme, designed to prepare candidates for university leadership and management roles upon completion of the scheme. Starting salary: £31,637.

This is an exciting paid three-year graduate scheme for new or recent graduates of Loughborough University, or existing employees of the University who meet the criteria.

It is designed to develop individuals for roles in higher education leadership and management. The Loughborough Graduate Trainee Scheme could be for you if:

  • You are passionate about higher education and the impact it makes in society;
  • You are interested in a career in a dynamic and diverse organisation that has a mission to advance and disseminate knowledge for public good;
  • You are hard-working and have effective written and verbal communication skills;
  • You have experience of working collaboratively, as well as working independently;
  • You are motivated to complete a paid Graduate Management Trainee Scheme at a top-ten University, and are passionate about Loughborough University.

Over the three-year period our employed Graduate Management Trainees will complete a range of placements across various University departments, working closely with schools and having access to the most senior leaders of the University.

Graduates will engage with tailored development activities and will have access to mentors for support. The placements and development activities are designed to inspire and stretch trainees to reach their potential helping to build upon our reputation as a top ten university. Upon completion of the scheme, trainees will be well-suited to apply for management roles at Loughborough or other universities.

The Loughborough Graduate Management Trainee Scheme could be for you. If you are an ambitious individual who meets the criteria, and you have an interest in working in higher education and for Loughborough University. If this is you – apply now.

Key dates

  • Applications open on Tuesday 4 February 2025
  • Applications close on Tuesday 4 March 2025

Selection process

  • Stage one, applications open – Tuesday 4 February 2025
  • Stage two, online assessment centre – Wednesday 26 March 2025
  • Stage three, panel interviews – Tuesday 8 April 2025

In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary for the University to amend the dates listed above, applicants would be notified of any changes.

Apply now

If you’re an ambitious individual with an interest in applying for our paid three-year Graduate Management Trainee Scheme, employed by the University - apply now.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

Some frequently asked questions about the Loughborough Graduate Management Trainee Scheme.

What are the benefits of working for Loughborough University?

There are many benefits to staff working at Loughborough University, and more information on these benefits can be found on the Human Resources website.

Will I get paid?

Yes, the Graduate Management Trainee Scheme has a starting salary of £31,637 (with subsequent increments by one pay point per year).

Application and selection

How do I apply for the scheme?

Applicants will be invited to apply for the scheme from 4 February 2025 until 4 March 2025 through the Loughborough University job vacancy website. Please note that CVs will not be accepted and candidates must complete a supporting statement to address how they meet the criteria.

Can I apply with my CV?

No. All applications must be submitted using the online application form. CVs will not be considered and applicants who have submitted only their CV will be automatically rejected.

I'm having problems with the online application system, what should I do?

There are some frequently asked questions covering the application system on the University job vacancy website. Should you still require assistance after viewing these, please contact Human Resources.

What can I expect within the application process?

As with any paid role at the University, there needs to be a fair recruitment process.

The application process will consist of an initial application. Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in an assessment centre which involves completing a series of activities that test the candidate’s suitability for the role.

Following the assessment centre, successful applicants will then be invited to a final interview. Candidates who are successful at interview stage will then be offered a position on the Loughborough Graduate Management Trainee Scheme, which will start mid-September 2025.

Eligibility and qualifications

Can the University provide sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. The Graduate Management Trainee role is sponsorable, and the University will be able to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to support a Skilled Worker visa application.

Can I apply if I haven't studied at Loughborough University?

Existing employees of the University, who have graduated (not necessarily from Loughborough), are able to apply for the scheme and will be considered if they meet the criteria.

Can I apply if I graduated more than two years ago?

This scheme is only available to applicants who have completed their studies within the last two years and graduated in the summer 2023, or more recently. Applicants graduating from or who have recently obtained Masters and PhD qualifications will also be considered.

Existing employees of the University, who have graduated (not necessarily from Loughborough), are able to apply regardless of the year they graduated.

If you are not eligible for this opportunity, but interested in a career in higher education, please take a look at other available opportunities on our job vacancies website.

I am expecting (or have) a 2:2 - can I still apply?

Yes, we will consider all applications from candidates who have achieved a degree at bachelor's level.

Can I apply if I am graduating with a Master's degree or PhD?

Yes. Although we ask that applicants have graduated from university within the last two years, you are still eligible to apply if you have graduated with a Master's degree or a PhD within the last two years.

Do I need to have a relevant degree?

No. We will consider graduates from any degree discipline.

How much professional experience are you looking for?

The programme is designed to provide candidates who do not have extensive professional experience with an introduction to a career in university management. As such, extensive professional experience is not required, the aim of the programme is to be introductory in nature.

Are the places on the scheme in high demand?

As our Graduate Management Trainees are employed to complete the scheme, there are a large number of applicants that apply. In previous years the recruitment process has always been highly competitive, with a large number of applicants for a small number of roles.

About the Scheme

When does the Graduate Management Trainee Scheme start?

Successful applicants will expected to begin the Loughborough Graduate Management Trainee Scheme in September 2025.

How long does the Graduate Management Scheme last?

The total duration of the scheme will be three years and will consist of a range of placements within Departments across the University working closely with schools and senior stakeholders.

Can I choose my placements?

We try to account for particular interests that trainees have expressed throughout the application process whilst balancing this with placements which will challenge trainees and offer wide exposure to the range of university business.

Is there a guaranteed job at the end of the three years?

Trainees will develop a wealth of skills and knowledge across the three years placing them in a strong position to secure a management role at the end of the programme. We do not guarantee a job at the end of the programme but previous graduates on the scheme have gone on to secure key roles across the Loughborough.

Who can I contact if I still have more questions about the scheme?

Please email Organisational Development with your enquiry and we will respond to you as soon as possible.