Graduate training schemes
Believe it or not, local government is one of the largest graduate employers in the Country. Graduates are welcomed at all Councils in most service areas. In many cases you can complete professional training while working. All Councils operate a two-year National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) which was developed by the Employers’ Organisation in conjunction with Local Authorities. Graduates on the programme are referred to as National Management Trainees (NMTs). Expect to get involved in a range of work-based and learning activities designed to accelerate your progress into senior management. In addition, some Councils are developing individual, bespoke graduate training programmes in different occupational areas, as well as generalist fast-track schemes in management.
Additional training
Many Councils offer additional training opportunities, including skills for life, such as: numeracy and literacy; ICT skills; training on equality and diversity; skills to support competency frameworks; a range of management qualifications; and other job-specific training and development opportunities.
Graduate programme specific to Oldham Council
Oldham offers a range of specialist training schemes in Environmental Services:
Student Environmental Health Officers: Our Environmental Health service offers as least one professional training placement per year in this area, with a view to beginning a career with us upon completing your degree and professional examinations.
Student/Trainee Trading Standards Officers: We offer trainee posts within the Trading Standards service at three levels: Undergraduate, Final Year and Post Graduate. We’ll support you through a TSI-approved qualifications course and we pay a salary for working during vacation periods. Final year students are paid full time if they are undertaking a sandwich year, or a pro rata salary if at University. Postgraduates may convert a non-Trading standards degree to a TSI approved qualification.
Trainee Building Control Officers: We offer posts of Trainee Building Control Officer and Assistant Building Control Officer, which enable us to grow our own professionals through a range of employment and training packages.
Trainee Planning Officers: We also offer opportunities for three Planning Trainees, providing training either via the Institute route, which would include block release, or via the Masters route. The department pays all University fees for the training.