The programme is open to individuals who:

• have recently graduated or are about to graduate (any degree subject is accepted), or
• are new to advancement profession (less than six months in role), or
• hold experience in another sector and wish to transition into a career in advancement.

Please contact Maeva Ofranc for more information. 

Please use the 2025/26 schedule as indicative information.

7 October: Applications open

26 January: Applications close

27-31 January: Candidate shortlisting

17-28 February 2025: First round interview with CASE

March - April 2025: Final round interview with organisations

April-May 2025: Offer and contract signing

4 August 2025: CASE training programme starts

By the latest Monday 1 September 2025: Trainees start their 52-week placement at host institutions

Hosting types

Single hosting

• The trainee is assigned to a single host where they will be employed on a full-time basis on a fixed term contract of 12 months.
• The host ensures the trainee receives a comprehensive job description.
• The host releases the trainee to attend CASE training events and discuss key takeaways when they return to work.
• The host undertakes regular reviews with the trainee and provides them with guidance and feedback.
• The host undertakes regular meetings with CASE.

Shared hosting

• The trainee undertakes their work placement across two institutions (co-hosts) where they will be employed on either:

1. a part-time basis with each institution over a 12-month fixed term contract (3 days/2 days)
2. or a full-time basis over 6 months at each institution.

• The co-hosts must both be within a reasonable commuting distance.
• The co-hosts share the same responsibilities as a single host.
• Institutions are responsible for identifying a co-host and agreeing on a shared hosting plan.
• CASE is keen to facilitate communication between institutions interested in co-hosting.

Secondment

• The trainee is assigned to a secondment for a one-month placement designed to widen their experience and provide them with exposure to an institution which is different in nature and scale.
• The host agrees to cover the salary of the trainee during the one-month placement at a different institution.
• The secondment is optional and flexible, taking place between May and July.
• The host and the secondment institutions are both within a reasonable commuting distance.
• CASE provides support with identifying secondment institutions and facilitating the secondment arrangement.

Important notes

All hosts provide their trainee(s) with on-the-job training giving them experience of key activities which make up the work of advancement teams.

They appoint a line manager as a first point of contact with CASE who will:

• identify the objectives of the placement with the trainee.
• agree a plan of the activities that the trainee will undertake.
• oversee the day-to-day management of the trainee.
• provide guidance and technical expertise.
• identify knowledge gaps, arrange training, and monitor learning progress.
• provide ongoing feedback to the trainee and review their performance at the end of the placement.

Recruiting your trainee

Option 1: External recruitment with CASE

• Step 1: Share your job description with us as well as details on how you will select your trainee (interview guidelines, internal hiring process and timeframe).
• Step 2: You will be provided with an application link where candidates will be redirected.
• Step 3: CASE shortlists and conducts the first-round interviews.
• Step 4: CASE will arrange the second (and final) interviews of selected applicants with you.
• Step 5: You place an offer, sign contract(s), and confirm your trainee(s).

Option 2: Internal recruitment at your organisation

• Invite students from your organisation and network to apply and recruit your trainee according to your recruitment and hiring processes.
• We provide you with the trainee application form, and the application review guidelines along with standard interview questions for reference.

Important notes

• The programme is open to individuals who:
  • have recently graduated or are about to graduate
  • or are new to the advancement profession (less than 6 months in role)
  • or hold experience in another sector and wish to transition into a career in advancement
• Graduates who have completed the CASE Advancement Internship will be offered a place in the final round interview.

Hosts can choose to upskill and reskill their trainee(s) using two different approaches ensuring a valuable and rewarding learning on-site experience. Both are complemented by CASE training which provides an overview of the advancement sector.

The Rotation Approach

• The trainee will work across different teams throughout the year, rotating every three months, to gain experience in a wide range of fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and communications roles.
• The trainee will have the opportunity to develop a rounded understanding of all the activities within the Advancement profession and how they work together.

The Focused Approach

• The trainee will join the team in one department and focus on a specific advancement function.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience working in an educational institution, Trainees will have the opportunity to attend a range of CASE programmes. Trainees learn from practitioners across the sector and benefit from tailored coaching to support them in their next career step. 

Full trainee benefits:

• A programme of training and networking opportunities delivered by CASE.
• 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
• Compensation for the duration of the programme.
• CASE membership for one year, offering access to CASE resources including CASE webinars, the CASE Library, and  The ARC: Advancement Resources Catalogue, (E)-mentoring, Communities, Career Central.
• Regular communication on entry-level job postings and career opportunities.
• Two programme calls with Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO, and high-profile professionals as guests to share their experience and insights on the advancement sector.
• One year LinkedIn Learning licence upon availability.

The host agrees to cover the trainee's salary, along with costs related to the programme management.

Trainee salary

• The salary depends on each institution’s own pay and grading structure.
• The host institutions are asked to provide a salary of at least the minimum wage to trainees for the duration of the programme on a full-time basis.

Programme management

• Covers project management, advertising and recruitment, training and participation in conferences, expenses and course materials for the trainees.
• Member £6,500 inclusive of VAT / Non-member £7,500 inclusive of VAT
• This cost is reevaluated for institutions that conduct their own recruitment.