If you are interested in embarking on a career within one of the UK’s largest financial institutions, Nationwide’s graduate scheme in the UK could be the perfect opportunity for you. Nationwide describes their scheme as ‘a graduate programme with a difference’, offering a two-year programme in which you will experience various exciting parts of the Society while gaining in-depth knowledge and training along the way. Throughout various placements, you will help enhance the services proudly offered to Nationwide’s 15 million members. Their ideal candidate is ambitious, driven and forward-thinking – if this sounds like you, why not send off your application now for their September 2021 intake.
About the scheme
Graduate roles are available across five different business areas: Payments; Change and Digital; Supply Chain Management; Human Resources and Product and Marketing. Within your chosen specialism, you will undertake numerous placements across different teams which will help you gain a broader understanding of Nationwide’s strategy and the in-depth knowledge needed to secure a senior role upon completion of the programme. You will be given real responsibility from day one, with an excellent opportunity for fast career progression. However, you definitely won’t be thrown in at the deep end – Nationwide offer a well-structured programme; you will learn from the experts and be set regular targets and expectations as part of your training. Location is flexible, with roles available in their Swindon head office and others in London or Northampton – depending on your placement, you may be required to spend some days of the week in their Swindon or London office.
The ideal candidate
With many talented graduates applying to very limited positions on Nationwide’s graduate programme, you will need to prove that you embody Nationwide’s desired attributes to progress through each stage of the recruitment process. Members are at the heart of Nationwide’s organisation, so having a passion for delivering excellent customer service is a must – you should have a natural aptitude for building meaningful relationships with others, as well as great communication skills. Throughout the scheme, you may face some challenging situations, so you must demonstrate an ability to utilise your problem-solving skills to navigate these proactively and decisively. Nationwide is also interested in learning about you as a person – their membership is proudly diverse, so Nationwide is especially keen to get to know you as an individual and learn how you could make a positive difference to their members.
Nationwide’s culture
Nationwide is committed to nurturing their employees’ individual differences and identities. Their workplace is inclusive, and diversity is always encouraged – they offer an environment where your unique talents will always be celebrated. Furthermore, their graduates are offered continuous support from colleagues and managers, helping you to reach your end career goals.
As an organisation which is dedicated to its members, Nationwide’s employees are always encouraged to bring out the best in each other so that its members can thrive. Their mission is to build ‘a stronger, kinder and greener society for our mutual benefit and the mutual good of all’. In recent times, they have dedicated much effort to adopt a sustainable and responsible approach to business; if you are interested in the Supply Chain Management scheme, you will be directly involved in Nationwide’s journey to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. All graduates are also given the opportunity to volunteer for one of Nationwide’s sponsored charities for two days per year.
Rewards
As a valued member of Nationwide’s team, you will be offered a competitive starting salary (£28,000) and other attractive perks, including:
- Access to an annual performance-related bonus
- Access to training to encourage your self-development
- 25 days holiday
- The option ‘to buy’ up to 10 additional days of holiday
- A warm glow from helping members
Application details
The closing date for applications is the 6th November 2020 – you will be able to apply to up to two schemes. When applying, you will need to upload your CV and answer some eligibility questions. Following this, you will be sent an online assessment, then a short video interview to assess how well you fit Nationwide’s values. If you are successful, you will then be invited to a virtual assessment centre from mid-November. The application process can be challenging, so make sure you prepare well and remember their key competencies. For further tips on securing a graduate scheme, check out our ultimate guide here.
