Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide 2026

About the programme

The Graduate Development Programme provides a supported and accelerated career pathway into senior leadership roles in the Civil Service and is a key initiative for talent development at the Scottish Government.

Our unique programme offers you the opportunity to work alongside senior leaders, stakeholders and Ministers. You will deliver real impact for the people of Scotland on a range of vital policy areas - past programmes have included placements in areas such as health, education and the economy.

Helping you to reach your full potential

The programme is designed to help you meet your career goals, by gaining:

• experience: you will undertake a diverse mix of work placements to gain a range of experience and skills in different roles and business areas
• capability: through a blend of organised and self-directed learning, you will gain the knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed
• exposure: working alongside a range of senior staff within the Government, wider public sector and beyond, you will develop a strong network and learn from others

Programme structure

The Graduate Development Programme runs over 3.5 years and is designed to provide you with diverse and meaningful experiences across the organisation.

You will complete three work placements during the programme:

• Year 1–2: Two placements, each lasting 12 months
• Final 18 months: One extended placement lasting 18 months

Placements are designed to expose you to a variety of roles, business areas, and responsibilities, helping you build a strong foundation of professional skills and experience.

A dedicated Graduate Support Team will support you throughout the programme. They will select and manage your placements, providing support and guidance to help you make the most of each opportunity.

Please note that graduates do not choose their own roles, placements are assigned based on development needs. This ensures all graduates receive a balanced and well-rounded experience of the programme.

As a result, placements may vary in terms of responsibilities and experiences. Some roles may include opportunities such as line management, while others may focus more on project work or policy development. This variety is core to the programme and is designed to help you build a varied skill set.

Programme outcome:

By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped with the skills and experience needed to step confidently into a senior leadership role within the Scottish Government.