More than 250 additional nursing graduates have secured jobs across NHS Wales since June, following concerns about newly qualified nurses struggling to find employment.

The progress follows a graduate summit convened by Health and Care Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor in June, bringing together health boards, universities, Health Education and Improvement Wales, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and the Welsh Government.

An additional allocation phase has played a key role in matching graduates with available posts, while work continues to help those still seeking employment find suitable opportunities.

A further 28 graduates have either found work through other routes or are not currently available for employment. The Welsh Government says there are enough vacancies overall to support the remaining unallocated nursing graduates, with efforts continuing to match individuals to appropriate roles.

The Minister is visiting Aberystwyth University today, where all adult nursing and mental health nursing graduates have secured employment. All nursing graduates from Bangor University have also found jobs.

The developments represent progress in efforts to retain newly qualified nurses within the Welsh health service, following concerns about the gap between completing training and securing a first job.

Mr ap Gwynfor said he recognised how worrying the situation had been for graduates waiting to begin their careers, adding that joint working had helped improve the position across Wales.

However, he acknowledged that more work remained, particularly in supporting midwifery graduates into employment.

The experience of the 2026 cohort is also expected to inform future workforce planning, helping ensure the number of people trained and the posts available within the NHS are better aligned.

Among those now working in the health service is Mirain Breese, who graduated from Aberystwyth University in July and has started working as a nurse at Bronglais Hospital.

She said she was proud to be putting into practice the skills and experience gained during her studies and clinical placements.

Returning to education while raising a family had presented challenges, particularly balancing academic work, placements and family life. She credited the support of the university, placement teams, fellow students, family and friends with helping her complete the course.

Being able to study through the medium of Welsh, close to home, had also been important to her.

She said qualifying as a nurse and securing a local job caring for patients in her own community was something she was immensely proud of.

The Welsh Government says work will continue with universities, health boards and other partners to help graduates into employment and retain their skills within NHS Wales.