The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) is the LGA’s flagship graduate scheme.
It has developed a pipeline of future leaders by bringing in more than 2,350 high-calibre graduate trainees to the sector over the past two decades.
Nearly 5,000 graduates apply to this highly respected development programme every year to fast track their careers in local government.
The LGA runs a subsidised and rigorous multi-stage recruitment campaign on behalf of councils giving them the opportunity to recruit highly motivated and capable management trainees to work on important pieces of work over a two-year period.
NGDP trainees help build capacity in council workforces and the sector as a whole, working on high-level strategic projects.
Trainees rotate between three or four placements within their host authorities and undertake a learning and development programme that includes a Chartered Management Institute qualification.
In addition, they benefit from a national network of more than 200 peers, through which they can regularly bring best practice and learning back into their organisations.
Through the NGDP, councils are able to invest in a valuable resource while providing a platform for ambitious graduates from which to springboard.
A recent survey found that 95 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the programme, and reported they now felt more confident in their ability to gain a management position in local government because of the NGDP.
See the panel to find out more about the experiences of one NGDP graduate.
To find out how the NGDP could help your council build capacity and develop the future leaders of your workforce, please visit www.local.gov.uk/ngdp-councils or, for an informal chat with the team to find out more, email [email protected]. Council applications for NGDP graduates close on 29 February.
Driving results
Alexander Virtue is in the second year of the NGDP’s Cohort 24, and currently working in the Development, Growth and Regeneration Directorate at the London Borough of Sutton.
I have been working for Sutton Council as part of the NGDP since October 2022, and an early placement involved me rotating with several teams in the Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods Directorate.
I love how I was able to use theories and the learning provided by the programme to drive results in my placement, while enhancing my own professional development.
My favourite achievement so far has been working in the Climate Action and Sustainability Team.
This is where I led on the procurement and technical analysis to launch and advance the council’s innovative Go Green Scheme, which is the first scheme in the UK that incentivises local businesses to adopt greener practices in exchange for a lowered business rate. To date, we have almost 100 businesses signed up to the scheme.
My other key accomplishments include leading the activity around the 2023 National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and actively contributing to vital projects such as updating the council’s Business Impact Analysis and Continuity Plans.
With the help of the NGDP and my host authority, I have also been fortunate and thrilled to have received two staff awards in the short time I have been here. My experiences on the programme have definitely sparked a long and hopefully illustrious career in local government.