Job Introduction
Job Title: Graduate Management Trainee
Location: Southampton / Windsor / Swindon / Newark
Contract: Permanent
Duration: 3‑year structured development programme
Salary: £32k (with structured uplifts throughout programme – £33,000 after 6 months and £35,000 upon completion of L5 qualification)
Are you seeking a graduate programme in a sector that delivers real social value?
Do you want to develop your leadership skills while improving lives and strengthening communities?
Are you ready to fast‑track into a management career where every decision truly matters?
We’re Choice Care – and we’re here to support you to build a leadership career that matters.
Our Graduate Management Programme is designed to develop values‑led individuals and graduate them into the next generation of leaders across our services. This is a hands‑on, immersive programme where you’ll learn by doing, take on real responsibility, and build the skills to lead services that make a genuine difference to people’s lives.
The graduate programme
* Working directly in services from the start
* Supporting teams and learning how to lead in real environments
* Building relationships with the people we support
* Taking on increasing responsibility as you grow
We’ll support you, stretch you, and invest in you – but you’ll be expected to step up and take ownership of your development.
We’re looking for people who:
* Want to build a career in leadership, not just a job
* Are motivated by making a difference in people’s lives
* Are resilient, adaptable, and willing to step outside their comfort zone
* Can build strong relationships and communicate effectively
* Are aligned with our values and approach to care
* Are willing to work across different services and locations
What’s in it for you?
* A structured 3‑year accelerated leadership programme
* A permanent role from day one
* A Level 5 Diploma in Adult Care
* Experience across a range of services including Learning Disability, Mental Health, and Supported Living
* Exposure to specialist areas such as Quality, Referrals and Positive Behaviour Support
* Insight into how the wider organisation works, including HR, Estates and central support teams
* Ongoing coaching, feedback and development
* A clear pathway towards Service Manager roles
What you’ll be doing?
* Lead teams and support staff to deliver high‑quality care
* Manage the day‑to‑day running of services
* Make decisions in complex and fast‑paced environments
* Understand and maintain high standards of quality and safety
* Respond to challenges and drive improvements
Over time, you’ll take on more responsibility and begin to operate with increasing independence.
Where this will take you?
By the end of the programme, you’ll have the experience, confidence, and qualification to apply for Service Manager roles within Choice. From there, your progression is in your hands, just like the many leaders across our organisation who started in frontline roles.
Why Choice?
We are a values‑led organisation focused on delivering high‑quality, person‑centred support. We invest in our people, we grow our own leaders, and we create opportunities for progression. This programme is about building the future of our organisation and giving you the opportunity to be part of it.
* Enhanced holiday entitlement (31 days)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Paid day off on your birthday
* Blue Light Card eligibility
* Christmas bonus – vouchers for all staff members
* Annual staff awards
* Financial wellbeing app – Stream
* Refer a friend scheme
* Choiceversary
What’s next?
Apply online today. Our recruitment process includes a video interview, psychometric testing and a final stage interview/assessment. Opportunities to start with us from August/September 2026.
Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory DBS clearance and suitable references.
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