Graduates! Develop a meaningful, successful public sector career with Bedford Borough Council!

2 Nov 2021
Bedford Borough Council logo

Are you a graduate who wants to make a difference in your local community and excel in your career? The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) has opened its recruitment drive for a new cohort, starting Autumn 2022, and Bedford Borough Council is looking to hire two graduates who live, work or study in Bedford Borough.

The NGDP enables bright, passionate graduates to complete a fully funded postgraduate qualification in leadership and management, whilst undertaking a number of placements across Council departments in important strategic and operational projects. The successful candidates will be employed on a two year fixed term contract, with a starting salary of £25,991.

Ben Woodfine, second year national management trainee at Bedford Borough Council had this to say "It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about different areas of the council, make a positive difference to the area I live in and gain a masters level qualification in leadership and management. I've worked alongside some truly inspirational and supportive people on a range of fascinating projects that have allowed me to take responsibility, grow my knowledge, understanding and confidence and demonstrate real results that benefit our communities."

Alex Coffin, who has recently joined Bedford Borough Council for his first year on the programme, said "I applied to the NGDP because I've always wanted the work I do to have a positive, tangible effect on the places I live in. This scheme is great because it pitches you into the middle of important work which you can make a real difference to. I found the application process to be much more approachable than other grad schemes. The range of tests in the first stage give different types of people the chance to shine and help build you for the assessment centre and interviews."

Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, said "Bedford Borough Council is committed to the National Graduate Development Programme. The council has recently undergone a number of changes and we are now in a position to focus on the future. If you want to work for an organisation that will support you throughout your training, ensure you feel valued and offer a wealth of experience in a variety of assignments and placements, then Bedford Borough is the Council for you. I started my Local Government career as a trainee and I want to support local government leaders of the future. We look forward to hearing from you."

Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said "The NGDP is a great programme for people looking to take the next step in their career. At Bedford Borough Council, we have invested a lot into making sure that our graduates have the best possible experience and get the most out of their time with the Council. Our previous and current graduates have brought a great deal to Bedford Borough Council and have had a real impact on the services they have worked in. We're looking forward to seeing what the next cohort of graduates bring to the Council."

To be eligible participants:

- must live, work or study in Bedford Borough

- will have obtained a 2.2 undergraduate degree in any subject by summer 2022

- have the right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship (successful applicants will be required to provide documentary evidence of their entitlement to work in the UK (in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006). The NGDP is unable to apply to sponsor a visa for candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK).

If you are interested, or you know a graduate who may be looking to develop a meaningful, successful career in the public sector you can find out more about this opportunity and the national programme on the Local Government Association website.

To apply for a place on the National Graduate Development Programme

https://www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/vacancies/national-management-trainee/

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

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