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https://competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/08/calling-all-graduates-grad-scheme-opportunity-at-the-cma-2/

Calling all graduates: Grad scheme opportunity at the CMA

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October 2025 Delivery Graduate Scheme: applications open!

Applications for our Delivery Graduate Scheme are open for October 2025! If you’re a university graduate (or expect to finish your studies before September), are interested in delivering better outcomes for consumers, and want to play an important role at the UK’s competition and consumer regulator, then the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) could be the right place for you.

The Scheme

As a Case Officer on the Delivery Graduate Scheme at the CMA, you’ll gain hands-on experience of CMA casework. You’ll be posted to one of our multi-disciplinary project teams, working alongside legal, economic, financial and technical experts.

Successful applicants will complete three, 12-month placements in different parts of the CMA, contributing to the delivery of high-quality outputs and assisting major investigations and projects. This could involve writing draft proposals for investigations, planning and executing dawn raids, analysing documents, liaising with external stakeholders, developing strategy, and assisting with project management.

Here's what some of our current graduates have to say about the scheme:

Working in the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I get to collaborate with colleagues across four regulators, gaining valuable insights from diverse perspectives. 


The work is always varied and intellectually stimulating – from drafting the annual work plan and external papers
to exploring complex policy issues, no two 
days are the same, making it an engaging
and fulfilling role.

Beth Deakin - joined the CMA in 2023
“I have really enjoyed the variety of work I have been involved in during my first grad scheme placement in the Policy and Practice team. The team provides input on a broad range of projects across the CMA, including competition and consumer policy, regulatory appeals and block exemptions. This has really helped me to get to grips with the CMA’s purpose and its various functions 
quickly, particularly as someone with no previous 
legal or economic training.”

Bethany Rippon, joined the CMA in 2023.

Our training programme

During your time at the CMA, you’ll also get to advance your skills and knowledge through regular training. The programme will be spread over the 3 years of the scheme, and is designed to expand your knowledge of the CMA’s role, remit and work, and sharpen your drafting, presenting, and IT skills. CMA staff are able to apply for funding for external courses – ranging from academic qualifications to project management certifications – and you’ll also have access to regular seminars from academics and competition experts.

After the completion of the scheme, we expect you’ll have the skills to consider applying for a role as a Principal Case Officer.

As a graduate at the CMA I’ve been able to work across multiple teams, doing interesting work which makes a real difference to consumers in the UK.

During my time I’ve felt like a valued part of my team and 
a trusted part of the wider organisation. The work I did during my time on the CMA graduate scheme provided 
the perfect springboard for me to achieve a promotion to Principal Case Officer.

Sil Van Kordelaar, joined the CMA in 2022.

Application details

Applicants must be based in and eligible to work in the UK. Upon applying, you will have 3 tests to complete, comprising:

  • verbal reasoning
  • numerical reasoning
  • management judgement

If you pass all of these tests, you will be presented with an application form where you’ll give examples of your experience. If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to attend an assessment centre and interview.

Apply:

Find out more and apply by 28 April 2025.

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