NMC welcomes guaranteed job opportunities for nursing and midwifery graduates

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has welcomed the government’s new Graduate Guarantee, which ensures all newly qualified nurses and midwives in England can access job opportunities upon graduation. The initiative aims to remove recruitment barriers and support a smoother transition from education into employment across health and social care.

The Graduate Guarantee responds to growing concerns about job availability for graduates, particularly in areas where the number of newly qualified professionals exceeds existing vacancies. By enabling NHS trusts to recruit based on projected need rather than current headcount, the scheme is expected to unlock thousands of new roles and improve workforce planning.

Research cited by the NMC shows that a positive early experience in practice increases the likelihood of professionals remaining in the sector long-term. The regulator has committed to working swiftly to place new graduates on the register, ensuring they can begin their careers without delay. The Graduate Guarantee forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the NHS workforce and meet rising demand for health and social care services.

Paul Rees MBE, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:

“A guaranteed opportunity for a role after years of hard work in education is excellent news for future nursing and midwifery graduates.

“It means highly educated professionals can move into roles more quickly, utilising their skills and knowledge for the benefit of patients and communities. This is critically important at a time of rising demand for health and social care.

“We will continue working to place all new graduates on our register quickly and safely, so they can begin their roles at the earliest opportunity.”

“We would particularly call on employers to ensure that as the Graduate Guarantee is rolled out, they use ‘preceptorship’ programmes, where possible, to welcome and integrate newly registered professionals into their new team and place of work.”

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