Getting Into
Local Government
Local government is a diverse employer that encourages the development of its staff, who in turn deliver quality services to its clients - the public. Employees feel that they are contributing to the local community and making a difference in people’s lives whilst working in a dynamic, fair and flexible environment. Whoever you are and whatever your background, working in local government gives you the opportunity not only to develop your career but also to improve others’ lives.
Because of the range of jobs in local government there are many opportunities for developing your career. The variety and depth of work is huge and spans many professional and trade areas. To find out more about the different occupational areas and jobs that are available in local government, go to the career profiles section.
Of course, diversity does not just mean diversity in the type of job you could be doing. It also means that local government employs many different people from many different walks of life. Local councils strive to be equal opportunities employers and many lead the field in this respect.
What qualifications
do I need?
Whether you have a small amount of experience and/or qualifications or a lot, there is something in local government for you! The following information gives you an idea of the kind of qualification and training initiatives that may be available:
• National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/SVQs)
N/SVQs are work-based qualifications, based on National Occupational Standards (NOS), which are awarded to students who provide evidence of competence in work situations. There are numerous different occupational areas to choose from and many of these are relevant to local government. They provide the student with useful work related competencies and the employer with highly skilled, motivated staff.
• Apprenticeships
The Government is keen for young people to take up these work based training opportunities. Specific training will vary from council to council, but there will be development opportunities to enable Apprentices to progress further. Councils run Apprenticeships in the following occupational areas: Accounting, Amenity Horticulture, Arts & Entertainment, Business Administration, Cleaning & Support Services, Construction, Customer Service, Early Years and Education, Emergency Fire Service Operations, Environmental Conservation, Health & Safety (Occupational Health & Safety Practice), Health & Social Care, Heritage Sector, Housing, Information Services, Information Technology, Insurance, Personnel Support, Sport, Recreation & Allied Occupations and Telecommunications.
• New Deal
New Deal for young people, part of the Government’s Welfare to Work programme, is targeted at 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for six months or more. Local councils all over the country are getting involved in the New Deals and actively promote opportunities. www.newdeal.gov.uk/.
• Graduate Training Schemes
Local government is one of the largest graduate employers in the country. Graduates are taken on by all councils in all service areas and can complete professional training while working. Some councils are developing individual graduate training programmes in many different occupational areas, as well as general fast-track schemes in management. See
www.ngdp.co.uk/.
More information See www.lgcareers.com
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