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Designing and Governing Graduate Development Programs

Turn Graduate Intakes into a Reliable Pipeline of Future Talent

Signature program2 daysTalent Architecture & Capability Development
Request a Proposal Course leaflet (PDF)
Workshop in session: At the flipchart, September 2025Workshop in session
Course overview

Why this program

Graduate development programs are one of the most powerful tools for building national talent and future capability, yet many struggle with unclear pathways, inconsistent assessment, and graduates who leave before the investment pays off. This two-day program equips HR, L&D, and talent leaders to design graduate programs that are structured, governed, and measurable.

Participants design the full graduate journey: attraction and selection, induction, rotations and on-the-job development, structured learning, mentoring, and assessment gates that confirm readiness at each stage. They also examine the governance and operating choices that determine success, including sponsor and manager roles, individual development plans, progression and exit criteria, and whether to deliver training through a single accountable partner or through multiple providers under central governance, with the cost and risk implications of each.

The program draws on graduate programs built for national talent across the GCC, including nationalization priorities.

At a glance
PortfolioSignature Programs
Transformation pillarTalent Architecture & Capability Development
Duration2 days
Designed and led byMostafa Azzam
Request a Proposal Download the course leaflet (PDF)
Course objectives

By the end, participants will be able to

01Define the purpose, target roles, and success measures of a graduate development program.
02Design selection, induction, rotation, and structured learning pathways.
03Build assessment gates that confirm readiness at each stage.
04Establish governance, including sponsors, line managers, mentors, and individual development plans.
05Compare operating and delivery models, and their cost, risk, and accountability implications.
06Measure retention, readiness, and progression into target roles.
07Produce a graduate program blueprint for their own organization.

How it runs

This program follows our decision-centered learning design, combining:

  • Opening Challenges. Practical challenges that surface
  • participants’ assumptions before frameworks are introduced.
  • Expert-Led Briefings. Concise, evidence-based input on
  • concepts, frameworks, and emerging practice.
  • Case Studies and Simulations. Realistic situations with genuine
  • choices, where participants decide, defend, and reconsider.
  • Hands-on Activities. Applying tools and frameworks to
  • participants’ own work.
  • Ready-to-Use Tools and Templates. Practical resources
  • delegates can apply immediately in the workplace.
  • Capstone Project. Produce a graduate program blueprint, including rotation plan, assessment gates, and governance model, for your own organization.

Who should attend

This program is designed for:

  • HR Directors and Talent Management Leaders
  • Graduate Program and Early Careers Managers
  • L&D and Capability Development Professionals
  • Nationalization and Workforce Planning Specialists
  • Line managers and mentors of graduate trainees

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