Local graduates invited to apply to the National Graduate Development Programme at Bedford Borough Council

Are you a passionate graduate interested in making a difference in your community whilst advancing your local government career?

The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) provides a range of placements with Bedford Borough Council. Each placement offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills and knowledge whilst influencing, shaping and improving services for local residents. The successful graduates will also complete a fully funded prestigious postgraduate qualification in leadership and management from the Institute for Leadership and Management (ILM).

Recruitment is now open for two talented National Management Trainees (NMT's) living, working or studying in Bedford to join the Council from autumn 2023 on a two-year fixed-term contract, with a starting salary of £26,446 per annum.

Sarah Combes, currently in her first year of the scheme, said, "I applied to the NGDP at Bedford Borough Council as a local candidate, as I felt passionate about working in and for my local community.

"There are a wide variety of projects happening in the Borough and the NGDP offers the opportunity to get involved in different areas of Council work, as well as providing a great platform for a future career in local government."

Laura Church, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, said; "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.

"You'll have the opportunity to learn from the best and have an immediate impact in the area you work in. I started my Local Government career as a trainee and want to support Local Government leaders of the future. As a NGDP graduate, you'll see how in Local Government we really can make a difference to the daily lives of our residents."

Successful candidates will be joining the Council as it focuses on helping residents tackle the cost of living crisis, delivering key projects and investment into the borough. NMT's work with teams to foster positive relationships with diverse community groups, voluntary and third sector organisations.

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're invested in making sure that our graduates have the best possible experience and get the most out of their time with us.

"Recent graduates have worked with teams as varied as our communications and planning teams. We're looking forward to seeing what the next cohort of graduates bring to the Council."

Shane Dooner, now in his second year of the scheme, said, "The NGDP at Bedford Borough provides exciting opportunities for graduates. This isn't a job where you're doing basic admin, National Management Trainees are supported and trusted to make key decisions that have a tangible impact on local services.

"There is a wide support network available of colleagues, current and previous National Management Trainees, coaching and mentoring, and the training provided through the Level 7 qualification in leadership and management."

Graduates from a variety of backgrounds and areas of study, who obtained a minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree in any subject by summer 2023, are invited to find out more about this opportunity and apply at the link below:

https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/lga/displayjob.aspx?jobid=1750

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday, 4th January 2023.