At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Brent Council's Graduate Trainee programme and tackle local challenges while developing your leadership skills.
- Company: Brent Council, a diverse and socially responsible local authority.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £36,153, with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Other info: Strong support network and mentorship from senior leaders throughout the programme.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree and a connection to Brent required.
The predicted salary is between 36693 - 36693 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £36,153, increasing to £36,693 p.a. in the second year of the scheme.
Contract: Fixed term (2 years).
Hours of work: 36 hours per week.
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time.
Brent Council’s local graduate scheme offers people who live in Brent, or have a qualifying local connection, the opportunity to apply for Cohort 29, starting in autumn 2027. Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, with communities, ideas and experiences from across the world helping to shape who we are. Working here means joining a council that is focused on fairness, open to new thinking and committed to improving life for local people. Our values shape how we work and what people can expect from us. We collaborate proactively, lead inclusively, embrace change, are bold and curious, and celebrate and share our success.
During the two-year programme, you’ll complete at least three placements, contributing to projects that address local challenges while developing your leadership and management skills. You’ll also benefit from a fully funded learning programme leading to a Chartered Management Institute qualification.
Benefits of Brent Council’s local scheme include:
- Support throughout the application process: Local applicants will have the opportunity to receive support from existing Brent graduates.
- An additional year: Graduates who successfully complete the programme may be eligible for a further one-year fixed-term contract, subject to organisational needs.
- Live and work in a diverse area you are familiar with: The local scheme offers an opportunity to make a positive impact in your borough and gain experience in a dynamic, socially responsible council.
- Exposure to senior leaders: All graduates are assigned a senior mentor who is a Director from the Senior Management Team.
- A strong support network: Graduates are paired with an existing graduate as a buddy and receive regular feedback and one-to-one meetings with the graduate scheme’s placement coordinator.
Essential requirements:
- Applicants must meet at least one of the following programme criteria:
- Have obtained a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject by August 2027.
- Have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the two-year programme. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas.
To be eligible for Brent’s local scheme, you must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Currently live in Brent and have lived in the borough for at least two years.
- Have studied at a secondary school or further education setting in Brent, including a school, college or Pupil Referral Unit (PRU).
- Be a Brent care leaver.
- Currently work for Brent Council and have done so for more than one year.
The application process involves demonstrating understanding of Impact’s key skills and behaviours through a competitive, multi-stage application process. Local candidates participate in the same process as national candidates. If you reach the final interview stage, you will be guaranteed an interview with Brent Council, expected to take place around April 2027.
As part of the application process, you are required to complete a Situational Judgment Test (SJT). This is the only assessment you need to complete at this stage. The SJT presents you with 24 realistic scenarios that someone might experience in a role on the programme, along with multiple ways of responding.
Instructions for the test: The test is untimed, but we anticipate that it will take around an hour to complete. We suggest allowing one to two hours so you can complete it without unnecessary pressure. You can take a break after answering a question and before proceeding to the next one. You can log back in to finish the test at any time before the application deadline.
If you have any questions or need support completing your application or SJT, please contact us before starting your application or test.
How to apply: If you meet the local eligibility criteria and want to work specifically for Brent Council, please apply through the Cohort 29 local recruitment application portal.
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 6 January 2027 (12:00).
Please note: You can only apply for one Impact programme per year. We support Impact’s aim to recruit graduates from different backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines, reflecting the diverse community we serve.
As a Disability Confident employer, Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to any part of the recruitment process, please contact us.
Graduate Trainee in London employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT
The London Borough of Brent is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises the health of our waterways. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a tangible impact on community health and environmental sustainability in one of London's vibrant boroughs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee in London
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive into your local community by participating in initiatives or volunteering for local government projects. This not only showcases your dedication but also offers networking opportunities with current employees who might know about internship openings at places like LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT.
✨Engage in Campus Events
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Stay updated by following local government and public service accounts on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. They often post about upcoming internship opportunities and valuable events you can attend to further expand your network, making you more visible to places like LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT.
✨Utilise University Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Service:When you're applying for an internship in the government or public sector, it’s super important to convey your motivation for serving the community. In your cover letter, share a personal story or experience that ignited your passion for this field. Let us know why government work matters to you!
Use the Right Language and Format:Government applications often have specific guidelines, so make sure to keep your CV and cover letter formal yet clear. Use bullet points and straightforward language – it’s all about being concise. And don't forget to highlight any relevant coursework or volunteering, especially if it relates to public policy or community service!
Include Relevant Academic Achievements:As this is an internship, we're really looking for candidates who are passionate and eager to learn. Be sure to list any grades, projects, or modules that relate to public administration or social sciences. This shows you have foundational knowledge and you're ready to dive deeper into the field with us!
Tailor Your Application to LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT:Just like we love to personalise your learning experience at StudySmarter, we want to see how you can bring that same energy to LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT. Research our mission and values, and reflect these in your application. Mention any specific projects or initiatives by LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT that resonate with your goals or interests and show us how you can contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Dive into the specifics of the government and public sector. Familiarise yourself with current policies, recent reforms, and key issues affecting your area of interest. This shows your genuine interest and gives you a leg up when discussing your motivations.
✨Master Key Competencies
Focus on the competencies essential for a government internship, such as analytical thinking, communication skills, and teamwork. Be ready to share examples from your studies or any community work that demonstrate these abilities in action.
✨Showcase Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As an intern, we know you'll be expected to learn and grow. Prepare to discuss what attracts you to this internship at LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT and how you plan to make the most of the experience. They’ll want to hear about your eagerness to contribute and learn.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions where you'll need to think on your feet. These may revolve around public accountability or ethical dilemmas. Practising these types of questions can help us put your critical thinking skills to the test, which is key for your role.
