Graduate Gateway Programme

Graduate Gateway Programme (Grad/26)

Salary starting £33,542 annum plus attractive pension

Our 2-year Graduate Gateway Programme will give you practical experience across different areas of the organisation, exposure to meaningful projects, and opportunities to develop broad organisational knowledge. With mentorship, continuous learning, and clear pathways to career progression, you will develop the skills and knowledge to take on future leadership roles.

Invest NI drives Northern Ireland's economic growth by helping businesses innovate, compete and succeed. Our new Graduate Gateway Programme is designed to develop ambitious graduates into confident, capable professionals, ready to take on future Client Officer roles. Over two years, you will gain hands on experience from our expert teams, building both specialist skills and a deep understanding of how the organisation operates. If you are driven, curious and eager to make an impact, this programme is built for you.

You will rotate through structured placements, gain real-world experience and build the skills needed to thrive in a client-facing role. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to overseas trade missions. You will be supported every step of the way by experienced mentors, expert-led training and a network of fellow graduates. Graduates will be initially placed in our Belfast headquarters with placement opportunities in our regional offices.

Working within our client teams and sectors you will learn about how Invest NI operates and helps client companies of all sizes from start-ups to small and medium sized enterprises, contributing to the success of our client companies. You will gain valuable contacts, develop your interpersonal skills and increase your understanding of local and global markets.

At the end of the programme, you will have an opportunity to showcase everything you have learnt and celebrate your achievements. Subject to final assessment, you may be offered a role as a Client Officer at one of our locations in Belfast or across the regional network.

You will have:

• a minimum of a 2.2 degree or post-graduate qualification in any discipline achieved by August 2026
• Possess a full current driving licence and access to a motor vehicle. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants who have a disability and cannot hold a driving licence
• the right to work in the UK

We are looking for:

• individuals who are passionate about contributing to the success of our client companies with the ability to build and develop strong stakeholder relationships
• individuals who are driven, curious, confident and keen to make an impact

We reserve the right to enhance the criteria if there is a large volume of applications such as only accepting a minimum of a 2.1 qualification.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• Hybrid working
• Flexi-time
• Access to NICS Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days

Email:

Telephone: quoting the relevant job reference

Application packs are available in alternative formats on request.

If required, Invest NI's Text Relay Number is:

Closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Monday 23 February 2026 (GMT).

Invest NI is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community. At this time, it particularly welcomes applications from females, people with disabilities and from minority ethnic groups.

For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.