Grad scheme in my 40s?

[Retrainingin40s]

Am I Being U(nrealistic) to think about doing a grad scheme at the age of 40?

Im a clinician in the NHS, and thinking about applying for the NHS graduate Management Scheme. Has anyone done this and loved it? Or done this and hated it?

Are you a recent graduate, i.e. you finished your degree within the last few years?

I think most graduate schemes are paid in such a way that they suit new grads in their 20s to early 30s. I imagine at your age and experience you’ll command a higher salary without the scheme and the scheme won’t offer much in terms of experience or training. Also you‘d be taking a place expected for a younger person with little experience.
If it’s a career change you need then just apply for different roles.

No, but recently graduating isn’t a requirement for ‘in-service’ applicants for the NHS grad scheme.

Thanks maggie my main reason for mulling it over is the grad scheme is a fast track to non-clinical senior management roles, whereas all my experience to date is clinical. It feels like a bit of a stretch applying for non clinical roles, but then perhaps I’m overthinking it.

Lots of clinical people in senior management roles, it might give you the edge over a non-clinical applicant.

Hi. I got a place on the NHS grad scheme. Absolutely hated it. It was so so corporate and boring and so target led (probably naive to think it was gonna be different to this...). I quit. Best thing I ever did. SO much happier now.

I did the NHS one. You'd definitely have a great chance as a mature applicant.

Depending what you want long term it might not be the best route for you though. Happy to chat via PM if you like.

I’m a senior manager in the NHS. I haven’t got a clinical background but work with lots of people that have - nurses, physios, OT type roles. Take a look at NHS jobs and see what’s out there (although that website is terrible and might put you off altogether). Quality leads tend to be clinicians - that might be a good place to start.

I’ve worked with career switchers who were on NHS grad schemes. One in exactly your position: transitioning from clinical to non-clinical specialism. So I say go for it

And also look at other routes eg clinician lead, clinical management, quality and similar that would bridge between clinical and management.