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The NHS in Wales continues support for graduates following Student Streamlining 2026

Published 25 June 2026 

The NHS in Wales has completed the initial phase of Student Streamlining Summer 2026, the nationally coordinated process used to match final-year nursing, midwifery and Operating Department Practitioner students to Band 5 opportunities across NHS Wales. 

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has coordinated a national all-Wales approach, working with health boards and trusts across NHS Wales to maximise opportunities for graduates and support as many students as possible into employment. 

As a result of these collective efforts, many students participating in Student Streamlining Summer 2026 have been successfully matched to Band 5 roles across NHS Wales (703 graduates). 

Organisations across NHS Wales have worked together to maximise opportunities for graduates. Following completion of the initial allocation process, 383 nursing, midwifery and Operating Department Practitioner graduates remain unmatched. This will understandably be disappointing and create uncertainty for those affected. 

Support for graduates continues beyond the initial allocation process. Graduates who have not secured a role have received information and guidance on wellbeing support, professional registration, bursary arrangements and future employment opportunities. Updates will continue to be provided throughout the summer. 

Improved workforce retention and recruitment in recent years have resulted in lower turnover and fewer vacancies arising than anticipated. Alongside increased financial constraints, this has led to fewer suitable Band 5 opportunities being available this year. 

Earlier this month, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, convened a Graduate Employment Summit, bringing together partners from across NHS Wales, Welsh Government, universities and professional bodies to consider the current position and the support available to graduates. 

Alex Howells, Chief Executive of HEIW, said: 

"We recognise that this outcome will be disappointing for those graduates who have not secured a post through the initial phase of Streamlining. 

"However, the Graduate Employment Summit demonstrated the strength of the partnership approach across NHS Wales, with organisations coming together to identify practical actions to support graduates, explore further opportunities where possible and strengthen arrangements for the future. 

"These graduates represent an important part of the future NHS Wales workforce and we remain committed to supporting their future careers. Alongside supporting those affected by the current position, partners will also be working together to strengthen workforce planning and improve opportunities for future cohorts of nursing, midwifery and Operating Department Practitioner students across Wales." 

Support for graduates 

Graduates who have not secured a post through the initial phase have received information and support, including: 

  • Wellbeing support 

  • Advice on professional registration 

  • Information on bursary arrangements 

  • Information on employment opportunities within and outside NHS Wales 

  • Information for nursing graduates about the additional allocation phase, where suitable NHS Wales roles remain available 

Tailored information has also been provided for: 

  • Midwifery graduates  

  • Operating Department Practitioner graduates  

  • International nursing graduates  

Graduates will continue to receive updates throughout the summer. Nursing graduates will receive further information about the additional allocation phase, while all graduates will receive a further update on wider next steps during the week commencing 24 August 2026. 

Further information 

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