Published: 25/08/2026
The gap between nursing graduates seeking employment and roles currently available across NHS Wales has reduced significantly over the summer, while the position for midwifery graduates remains particularly challenging.
For nursing, the gap between graduates seeking employment and available roles has reduced significantly, from 186 in June to 14, with additional roles now available across all regions. However, the position for midwifery graduates remains challenging. Since the process began, 69 midwifery graduates have secured roles, while 63 remain without roles.
Work will continue through the autumn, with health boards identifying further roles and support continuing for graduates who have not yet secured employment. NHS Wales partners recognise the personal impact of this uncertainty on graduates as they complete their training and prepare to begin their careers.
Although the nursing gap has narrowed considerably, available roles do not always align with graduates’ preferences. Graduates who have not yet secured roles are therefore being encouraged to consider the full range of suitable opportunities across Wales.
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has continued to coordinate the all-Wales response, working with health boards, trusts, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP), Welsh Government, universities and professional bodies, including the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives, to maximise suitable opportunities and support graduates who have not yet secured employment.
Alex Howells, Chief Executive of Health Education and Improvement Wales, said:
“While the nursing position has improved considerably since June, we recognise that this remains a difficult and uncertain period for graduates who have not yet secured employment. We understand that the personal impact this uncertainty may have as graduates complete their training and prepare to begin their careers. Our immediate focus is on helping them consider and access the suitable opportunities available across Wales.
“We also recognise the particularly difficult position facing midwifery graduates. A small number of additional roles are expected during the autumn, but these are unlikely to be sufficient for everyone still seeking employment. Welsh Government and NHS Wales partners will continue to explore the available options and use the learning from this year to inform future workforce planning and Student Streamlining.”
Progress since the initial allocation
The initial allocation phase matched 703 nursing, midwifery and Operating Department Practitioner graduates to Band 5 roles.
At the end of the initial allocation phase, 306 nursing graduates and seven Operating Department Practitioner graduates remained unmatched.
An Additional Allocation process was subsequently introduced for nursing and Operating Department Practitioner graduates. Further graduates have secured roles through this process and the continued identification of suitable opportunities.
In total, 921 graduates have secured roles across NHS Wales this summer.
Recognising the importance of this issue and the impact on graduates, the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care convened a Graduate Employment Summit in June. Following the summit, the Cabinet Minister wrote to all NHS Chairs and HEIW, setting out a series of agreed actions and requesting that these be progressed at pace to maximise employment opportunities for healthcare graduates across Wales.
NHS Wales organisations have continued to review their workforce requirements and identify suitable opportunities throughout the summer.
The number of suitable Band 5 roles available this year was lower than anticipated when education commissioning decisions were made several years ago. Graduates completing their training in 2026 entered education following decisions made in 2022, when NHS Wales was emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic and experiencing high vacancy levels, increasing turnover and significant workforce pressures.
Improved workforce recruitment and retention in recent years, together with changes in recruitment patterns, have resulted in lower turnover and fewer vacancies arising than anticipated when workforce plans were submitted four years ago. Alongside increased financial constraints, this has led to fewer suitable Band 5 roles being available this year.
The NHS Wales workforce has continued to grow, including a 12% increase in nursing full-time equivalent posts between January 2023 and January 2026. However, many current vacancies are at higher bands, are in specialist areas or require previous experience, and are therefore not suitable for newly qualified graduates.
Continuing support for graduates
Graduates who have not yet secured roles have been contacted directly with information about available opportunities and practical support. This includes careers and wellbeing advice, CV and interview support, access to e-learning and support from relevant professional bodies.
Suitable Band 5 nursing roles will continue to be coordinated centrally during the autumn to maximise opportunities for graduates who remain without employment.
The Summer 2026 position will also inform wider work across NHS Wales to strengthen workforce intelligence and better align workforce planning, education commissioning, service requirements and available resources.
Further information
Additional Student Streamlining FAQs for Summer 2026: Student Streamlining Summer 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Student Streamlining Scheme: Student Streamlining Scheme - NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership
Student enquiries: NWSSP.StudentStreamlining.Enquiries@wales.nhs.uk
Media enquiries about local roles or individual health board positions should be directed to the relevant NHS organisation. Enquiries specifically relating to HEIW or the national position should be directed to the HEIW Communications and Engagement Team at HEIW.Communications@wales.nhs.uk.