Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Graduate Programme?

The programme is a 12-18 month programme. The first 12 months are structured and for the final 6 months you will choose a position out of several options within Working Links that you would like to focus on.

 

Can mature graduates apply?

The graduate programme is open to anyone who has completed a degree.

 

As an internal applicant, must I have completed a university degree to apply?

No, if you have continuous service of over one year, you can apply as long as your application is endorsed by your Regional Director. We will also ask for your Performance Development Review information to be included in your application form and will take that into consideration.

 

Will I have to go through a probation period?

If you are an external applicant then you have to complete a six month probationary period. If you are in internal applicant, then you do not have to complete another probationary period.

 

Where will I be based?

On your application form you are asked to indicate your chosen region and your office base will be in this region. The exact location will be confirmed upon appointment.

 

If I am successful in being offered a position, but I don’t get my first choice of region does Working Links provide assistance with relocation?

Requests for relocation assistance will be considered on an individual basis and will need to be approved by the Director of People and Development in addition to the Regional Director. Any assistance would take the form of a loan only and the individual would be expected to pay the loan back over an agreed amount of time.

 

Are there any other benefits I will receive in addition to my annual salary?

You will receive the same benefits as other Working Links employees. From your first day with us you will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Life Assurance and Pension Plan, as well as 23 days annual leave. After six months service you will be entitled to employer contributions to your pension and you will also receive an additional benefits allowance which you can choose to spend on a variety of benefits, from shopping vouchers to Private Medical Insurance; Travel Insurance to Health Screening.

 

What does the Graduate Programme look like?

The programme combines on-the-job experience with formal training and workshops whilst also being coached and supported through a formal mentoring programme. You will experience many different roles throughout the organisation and be exposed to many different situations. For more detail of the programme content, please visit the 'Your time at Working Links' page.

 

How will my development be monitored?

You will be coached and mentored throughout the programme. Your Line Manager and mentor will work with you to track progress and in addition to this your performance will be measured and assessed against specific measures designed for the programme. In monthly meetings and telekits with your Regional HR Business Partner, they will work with you to ensure that your development is on track and also help to identify any specific areas that need additional attention.

 

Are there any exams/tests to sit?

There are no specific exams to sit, but there are tasks and project work that needs to be completed successfully throughout each stage of the programme in order to move on to the next stage. The culmination of the programme will be a presentation to members of the Leadership Team on a group project topic that will be set at the beginning of your programme.

 

Will I get to meet/work with other graduates?

Yes. You will have quarterly workshops with the other graduates and you will also be working together on a group project throughout the programme. You will also be assigned an existing graduate as a buddy so that they can relate their experiences to you and also support you with any questions.

 

Is the whole programme mandatory? If I have previous experience can I fast track?

The whole programme is mandatory but we are flexible when it comes to previous experience. Depending on the experience that you have we may consider altering the programme slightly, but this will have to be agreed with your Manager and Regional HR Business Partner.

 

Will I have the same manager throughout the programme?

You will have the same Manager overseeing your development throughout the programme, but they will also delegate responsibility to different Line Managers throughout different sections of the programme.

 

What will happen when I successfully complete the programme?

At the end of the programme you will work with your manager and mentor to identify future opportunities within Working Links which may be appropriate for you. There will be internal and external training opportunities for people who complete the programme and to support this we also have a structured management development programme. We will continue to build on the training that you’ve already completed in addition to coaching you, but it’s also about what you learn on the job and how you choose to develop yourself.