Working at the council | Early Careers, Apprentices and Graduates
"Being a public servant feels right. Serving the community and improving city life."
Agata Woch, Entry to Employment Co-ordinator
Early Careers with the council
We have a wide variety of early careers opportunities at the council, covering every one of our departments. Join us as an apprentice or a new graduate, and you’ll find a huge range of roles available. With a structured career path so you can see exactly where your career could take you. With training and development that allows you to build your skills and the support of our dedicated Young Employees’ Network, you’ll be learning and earning a good salary in a real job.
We offer apprenticeships in everything from cleaning to project management. Join us as a graduate and you could be applying your degree to transforming and improving the lives of everyone in Leicester. With the flexibility to move into different departments and benefit from our flexible working policy which could include working from home, as well as the chance to help shape the future of one of the UK’s most diverse cities, you’ll be able to build a rewarding and successful career.
Starting your career at the council
Apprenticeships
We offer a wide range of apprenticeships at the council, including our popular trade apprenticeships that give you a good grounding in trades such as plastering, carpentry, painting and decorating, bricklaying and plumbing. You’ll have a clear career path, so you can see how you’re likely to progress, together with the support of a buddy and a mentor if you need them and a starting salary that matches the national minimum wage.
Graduate Opportunities
Join us as a graduate and you’ll be starting a varied and rewarding career. With a structured career plan, options to experience life in different departments and flexible working that offers real work/life balance, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build a successful future. From giving vulnerable children hope, to attracting national and international businesses or creating a greener, more sustainable environment, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Leicester.
Early Careers in numbers
employees currently undertaking an apprenticeship (190 existing employees, 57 new employees)
different types of apprenticeship courses currently being undertaken by our colleagues
new starters in graduate and apprenticeship roles since 2017
graduates and apprentices have gone on to secure another role with the Council
retention rate for our apprenticeship programme (national average 64%)
Focus on … Graduate Planners
Planning here is one of the most exciting and rewarding roles you could imagine. From shaping the way the city works, lives and plays, to the details of managing traffic flows and creating a cleaner, greener environment, you’ll find a full range of challenges. With a recent government grant of £10 million to transform the city and an application for £100 million more in the pipeline, it’s the ideal launchpad for your career.
Meet some of the team
Ashleigh
Business Administration and Support Apprentice, Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services
The apprenticeship scheme stood out because the council is disability friendly and there are opportunities to build my skills for future employability. It’s a hard working, fast-paced environment with a fair amount of pressure, but it’s always pleasant and friendly. The people don’t lose sight of why they do what they do - and importantly, who they do it for.
Cynthia
Business and Administration Support Apprentice, Finance
The working environment is polite and friendly, and my colleagues have helped me to feel settled in the first few weeks. Management and leadership teams are helpful and listen to any concerns you have. They’re also committed to helping you develop in your chosen career path by offering guidance in which courses would suit your development.
Georgia
Graduate Project Officer, City Mayor's Office
After studying law at university, I wanted to explore the links between law and politics. Working in the City Mayor’s Office gives me a good opportunity to see and interact with the whole council. It’s a busy, interesting and sometimes challenging environment and I’ve been able to gain valuable skills. I’m proud to support projects that have a positive impact on local residents.
Helen
Graduate Project Officer, Development Team
I joined the development team for the chance to work on a variety of regeneration projects and I’ve already had exposure to a range of high-profile projects. It’s a unique opportunity to see how the council encourages regeneration when the private sector isn’t investing in these areas. I’m also being supported to gain Royal Town Planning Institute accreditation.
Sejal
Graduate Project Officer, Planning, Transport and Development
I support the Planning, Development and Transportation team in delivering key regeneration projects around the city. I’m not only developing my understanding of planning and development, but I also get to improve a community I grew up in. It’s a dynamic and multidisciplinary role and as a graduate, I’ve also worked alongside senior leaders and key political leaders.
Current entry level vacancies
Here are just some of the entry level vacancies that we currently have. Simply, click on the job title to find out more.
You can see all the jobs we have available by clicking the ‘See all jobs’ button. But don’t forget, if you can’t find your perfect job right now, you can 'Register for job alerts' or ‘Make a speculative application’. That way, we’ll get in touch when a relevant job does come up.
We're always pleased to hear from talented people, so if you have any questions about the opportunities that we have available, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don't hesitate to get in touch.