Local government’s graduate development programme is bringing new talent into councils to help them improve local communities.
This year, South Kesteven District Council has had the privilege to partner with the LGA, to take part in the National Graduate Development Programme (ngdp).
It’s a vital scheme that provides a gateway for some of the country’s brightest and best graduates to carve out a career in local government.
As one of the country’s youngest council leaders, I feel incredibly lucky to have a job I love where I can play my part in making a tangible difference to the lives of local people.
Knowing how rewarding working in local government is, I was determined to give other young people the opportunity to help shape South Kesteven District Council.
Graduates today want a career that makes a positive contribution to their community and gives them the chance to progress and put their skills and knowledge into practice. The ngdp does exactly that.
It provides participants with the ability to fast-track their career and gain experience and insight that they would rarely gain in other roles, while improving local communities.
A career in local government is immensely rewarding. It is also at times intensely challenging. At South Kesteven, as we battle with reduced budgets, the impact of COVID-19, and impending local government reorganisation, we have needed to adapt and change how we deliver our services at break-neck speed.
Having the right people in the team to deliver this is vital, and I know that the different skills and perspectives that our graduates will bring will enable us to find new solutions and help us to think differently.
Importantly, it will also ensure that the views of the younger generation are represented at every level within the council.
As we get ready to welcome our first graduates to South Kesteven District Council, I am immensely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
On the cusp of launching our new corporate plan to create new jobs, more homes, and improve lives for residents, I know what a vital role our graduates will play in making South Kesteven the best district in which to live, work, and to visit.
The ngdp
The National Graduate Development Programme (ngdp) provides councils and the local government sector with a pipeline of talent.
Each year, the LGA-run programme whittles down from around 5,000 applicants to find the brightest and best graduate trainees, with real leadership potential, a passion to make a difference, and the capacity to bring new ideas and take on the strategic challenges of local authorities across the country.
As well as recruiting from our diverse, national talent pool, there are also bespoke options to suit any organisation’s needs: you can develop existing talent within your organisation, focus on graduates who already live and work locally, or even partner with another local authority to take on trainees.