Fixed term contract until August 2025
The role
The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) is a fast-track graduate programme for bright and passionate individuals who want to make a difference while excelling in their career. It offers the chance to work directly with communities, but also to influence policy at a senior level. All while earning a graduate salary and completing a leadership and management qualification.
Councils across the country are looking for the next generation of leaders who have the passion and skill to navigate the biggest challenges facing communities. From the climate emergency, homelessness and unemployment to urban regeneration, social care, and education, local councils are at the forefront of delivering real change.
As a National Management Trainee on the NGDP you will work for two years in one of 70+ partner councils on a minimum salary of £26,446 (this may increase pending pay negotiations). Over a minimum of three different placements, you will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in key areas of council life where you can make a real contribution and gain valuable, career-defining experiences. You will be supported in these roles through mentoring and a fully-funded learning programme, culminating in a qualification from the Institute for Leadership and Management.
The NGDP is the only graduate scheme for local government and has a high record of success with many graduates moving into management positions in councils after they complete the scheme. If you want a career leading change in the public sector, this is the programme for you.
About you
The NGDP is passionate about recruiting graduates from all different backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines: our aim is to reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We are looking for people who have the right values and attitudes and who can demonstrate their motivation for a career in the public sector. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, and additional support is available for under-represented groups during our assessment process so all candidates have a fair chance of showing us their full potential.
The requirements
The NGDP welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. Our only requirements are:
- A minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree by July 2023
- You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the 2-year programme. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.
For more information on eligibility and right to work requirements please visit our website.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their understanding of our key skills and behaviours through a competitive, multi-stage application process. The NGDP runs one national recruitment process each year and supports councils to run local and internal recruitment campaigns.
Please read before applying
As part of the application process, you are required to complete a Situational Judgment Test which is the only assessment you will need to complete at this stage.
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) presents you with 16 realistic scenarios that someone might experience in a role on the NGDP, along with multiple ways of responding. The SJT will appear after you have completed your application question and you will need to complete the SJT before you can submit your application.
Instructions for the test:
- This test is untimed and it should be completed in one sitting. You will be taken to the assessment page after answering your application questions.
- You will need to respond to each scenario, depending on what you are most likely or least likely to do for each of the 16 questions. There are detailed instructions within the application form.
If you experience any difficulties and require an accessible version of the application and test please contact ngdp.support@local.gov.uk who will provide this to you.
For further information please visit https://www.local.gov.uk/national-graduate-development-programme
Closing date: 12.00pm midday, Wednesday 4 January 2023
Interview Date: May/June 2023