Early Talent

Human Resources Graduate programmes

Salary £35,000 (per annum)

Starts September 2025

Duration 2 years

Qualifications required Already obtained or are on course to achieve a 2:1 degree

A colleague engaged in a conversation with others in a breakout space at our Gogarburn office with bookshelves and vibrant décor.

Our goal in Human Resources

We’re here to make the bank a great place to work – a place where everyone is treated fairly and able to fulfil their potential. This comes down to understanding our people, and how we work best together.

We shape and deliver strategies for the business in areas like recruitment, learning, reward, and inclusion to make sure we have the people, skills and perspectives we need to deliver for our customers, and to nurture a fair and inclusive bank for our colleagues.

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What’s great about the programme?

Every area of our business is different – they each need their own skillsets, their own challenges, their own nuances. What better way to find out what working in a business area is like, than from the people who already work there?

Monisayo and Ross’ experience

See what Monisayo and Ross think about their experience in Human Resources.

Text: Tell us about Human Resources

Monisayo Abidoye, Human Resources Graduate: For the consultancy practice, the main thing we do is that we consult with the different business areas to provide them with HR expertise on different procedures and different HR policies.

Text: How has being part of Human Resources team stretched you professionally?

Ross Campbell, Human Resources Graduate: So since joining NatWest in September, I really have been stretched professionally in a really good way. So I was thrown straight into quite a few projects and given a lot of responsibility from the outset. I was involved in the annual pay review, which is a review that goes on yearly to ensure that we’re paying all our colleagues fairly, as well as the HR Town Halls, which are quarterly engagement events for over 2000 colleagues, and I was given a lot of responsibility from the outset.

Text: What do you find most exciting about Human Resources?

Ross Campbell, Human Resources Graduate: I think the most exciting thing that I’ve noticed since I’ve joined in September is how much opportunity there is across the function. I’ve had exposure to so many opportunities, so many individuals and the networking has been amazing with people even outside my own function.

Is the programme for you?

Are you passionate about driving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? Do you want to gain hands on experience leading key HR activities from a wide range of business areas? If you would like to build your confidence in thinking strategically, and to help manage the needs of our colleagues, then our Human Resources Graduate programme might be right up your street.

Over the 2 years, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to become a leading HR professional, and able to offer specialist advice across all areas of our business.

A group of three colleagues having a discussion in a collaborative space at our Gogarburn office.

Who can support you?

Woman smiling holding laptop

Your buddy

Your go-to person for support and guidance during your first six months. They’ll be readily available to answer questions, provide advice and help you connect with peers.

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Your graduate manager

They’ll be with you across your graduate journey, providing guidance, feedback and support to help you achieve your goals and develop your skills.

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Your placement manager

They’ll work alongside you to set your goals, offer feedback and support your growth.

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The other graduates

Your graduate colleagues are on the journey with you and there will be plenty of opportunities to connect and support each other.

What can the programme teach you?

You’ll always be learning, but by bringing a fresh perspective to the table you’ll help us shape and deliver the strategy which underpins how we work together and support each other. This is an opportunity to focus on change and to build up your change management skills. You’ll also come out with a CIPD Level 5 qualification, helping you to prepare for a successful career.

What can you gain from the programme?

  • Knowledge in change and transformation projects from a people perspective
  • Networking and learning opportunities with senior leaders across a range of business areas and specialisms
  • Excellent project and stakeholder management skills, and the influencing skills to raise ideas and challenge the status quo

Where can the programme take you?

To get an idea of where this programme could lead, previous graduates have gone on to roles such as:

  • HR Consultants
  • Talent Acquisition Consultants
  • Reward Consultants

Application process

  1. Submit your application

    Find a role that’s right for you

  2. Work scenarios

    A work scenarios assessment

  3. Reasoning skills

    A problem solving, numerical and reasoning skills assessment

  4. Video interview

    Record your response to questions about experience and potential

  5. Assessment centre

    A full day of virtual activities

  6. Receiving an offer

    Feedback on the outcome of your application

Ready to apply? Start your journey here

Explore our step by step application guide for top tips and advice to support your success.

Find out first when our programmes open

Join our Early Talent community, and we’ll let you know when to start applying.

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Meet our people

We all bring our own uniqueness to work, and why shouldn’t we. We’re encouraged to do so. Meet our colleagues and find out a little more about the people you could be working with.