The Graduate Trainee Programme is a one-year extensive programme which aims to attract talented graduates into roles in educational institutions in fundraising, alumni relations, communications or marketing — collectively known as the advancement profession.

Trainees gain valuable experience through a year-long paid employment at a host organisation. The host provides the new starter with a learning plan that can include hands-on experience in specific areas, project work and placements with different teams within the office.

A complementary training programme, organised and delivered by CASE, will take place throughout the year to support the trainees in their work and equip them with the primary core competencies needed to start their career journey.

Background

In 2009, CASE Europe developed this programme with support from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to complement the UK Government's Matched Funding Scheme for Higher Education. The higher education fundraising profession needed to attract high calibre graduates and postgraduates to further develop fundraising and philanthropic giving with UK higher education. 
 

Purpose

CASE is committed to growing the advancement profession and strives to identify and train talented individuals in the fundamental skills, knowledge and aptitude needed to succeed in the sector.

We aspire to support organisations to connect with their constituencies and create pathways for current and future employees.
 

Objectives

• To identify and develop high-calibre advancement professionals in the education sector.
• To raise the profile of the advancement profession and promote its growth.
• To create a talent pipeline and raise awareness of the various career options within the sector.
• To share best practices, knowledge, and expertise across the sector. 

Training Programme

CASE organises and delivers a breadth of professional training to provide Graduate Trainees with a well-rounded view of the advancement profession and develops the core competencies needed to start their career journey. The training programme includes: 

• Access to CASE online courses and webinars
• Regular virtual meetings and discussions on topics such as professional brand and networking, alumni engagement programmes, understanding donor relations and stewardship
• In-person workshops on Trusts & Foundations, Data, and Careers

• Attendance at the flagship CASE Europe Annual Conference and one of CASE's foundational Institutes: the Marketing and Communications Institute or the Spring Institute in Educational Fundraising