Graduate Management Trainee

Shape local change and build a lasting career in public service

If you have ever considered working for your local council, now is the time. We\’re participating in the
LGA\’s Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme
to find the next generation of public sector leaders ready to lead critical projects and services that make a tangible, everyday difference for residents.

We are offering
Brent residents and those with a local connection
the opportunity to join our graduate scheme from
October 2026
, gaining invaluable experience while helping to shape the future of your borough.

What you\’ll do:

Brent\’s priorities include
housing, social care, public health, community cohesion, and employment and skills
– particularly for young people and underrepresented groups. As part of this programme, you will play a vital role in helping to address these priorities.

As a Graduate Management Trainee, you will:

• Complete a minimum of three placements tackling real projects
  across key service areas, gaining first-hand experience of how councils deliver meaningful change
• Contribute to policies and programmes that directly improve residents\’ lives
• Study for a fully funded Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification
  , supported by mentoring and strong peer networks
• Build the leadership, communication and analytical skills
  needed for a successful career in local government

Who we\’re looking for:

We welcome graduates from all backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines. We are looking for people who:

• Share our values of inclusion, integrity and community focus
• Are curious about how local government works and the challenges it faces
• Show potential for leadership, problem-solving and collaboration
• Value feedback, learning and teamwork

No previous local government experience is required.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for Brent\’s local graduate scheme, you must:

• Hold, or be expected to achieve, a
  minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree by summer 2026
• Have the
  right to work in the UK
  for the duration of the programme (visa sponsorship is not available)

You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Currently live in Brent and have done so for two years or more
• Have studied at a school, college or PRU in Brent
• Be a Brent care leaver
• Be a Brent Council employee for more than one year

Benefits of the scheme at Brent

The scheme with Brent offers the best of both worlds – a national programme with strong local support. You\’ll have access to:

• Support through the application process:
  Access support from current Brent graduates and the Impact team (Insight Session details below)
• Optional third year:
  Graduates who successfully complete the core programme are guaranteed an additional 1 year fixed-term contract
• Impactful local experience:
  The scheme offers the chance to work is a diverse borough you know well, gaining experience in a socially responsible council
• Exposure to senior leaders:
  All graduates are assigned a senior mentor from Brent\’s Senior Management Team
• Strong peer network:
  You\’ll be assigned a buddy, receive regular feedback session and 1:1s with the Placement Coordinator, and benefit from the strong support network created by our 16 current trainees

It doesn\’t stop there. You\’ll also enjoy:

• 27 days\’ annual leave
  (rising with service) plus 8