Get ahead: council graduate schemes and jobs
The range of opportunities available in your area depends on a council’s responsibilities and location – a council in a rural area will tackle very different issues from an inner-city council. As a graduate you could work in administration, finance, marketing or management, or in a more front-line position such as social work or teaching. Whatever job you choose, you’ll have the chance to implement real changes that will affect the day-to-day lives of your local community.
- Graduate essentials: local authorities explained
- What’s working life like for graduates in local government?
The National Graduate Development Programme (ngdp)
The ngdp was introduced in 2002 to recruit and train graduates to be the future leaders of local government. It is comparable to schemes offered by private sector organisations, which offer graduates the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to take on senior positions. The programme lasts for two years and is based around a series of core placements within a host local council. This is supported by:
- participation in a national programme group
- a national induction event
- mentoring on a regular basis
- study for a postgraduate qualification.
All of these components are designed to provide trainees with a broad base of skills and the experiences they will need to further their career in local government – whatever the role.
Alternative graduate schemes in local government
The ngdp isn’t the only graduate scheme in local government. Many local authorities run their own graduate schemes. These may be a little harder to track down, so check the website of your chosen authority to see whether they offer one. Councils will also advertise their graduate schemes on targetjobs.co.uk.
Like the ngdp, these schemes are put together like private sector graduate schemes. You may be able to join a scheme in management, finance, human resources or another area. These schemes are likely to be competitive and there may be a tough application process.
Other council career options for graduates
Bear in mind that some jobs won’t be advertised as ‘graduate’ jobs – but this doesn’t mean that they’re not suitable for graduates. If you look at the person specification you might discover that a degree is required – it’s just not in the title.
Graduates are recruited into all kinds of roles including those in administration, benefits, construction, education, environmental health, finance, housing, planning and regeneration. Most local authorities manage their own regional recruitment so it’s worth keeping an eye on their website or contacting the HR department directly.
The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) has also recently established the local government talent pool. Graduates interested in working in local government can register with an online database that local council employers can then search for suitable candidates and invite them to apply for suitable positions.
- Graduate views: find out what jobs graduates do in local government
- Graduate into a community-focussed job
With thanks to Liz Copeland, consultant – talent management at the Improvement and Development Agency
