Councils are among the biggest employers of apprentices in the UK, with apprenticeships in almost every kind of job and at every level, from Level 2 to degree level. You are paid, you get a real job, and the training is funded.
What kinds of apprenticeship
- Business and admin: customer service, business administration, HR, finance and procurement.
- Care: adult social care, children's residential care, and social work degree apprenticeships.
- Technical and outdoor: highways, horticulture, grounds maintenance, fleet, building maintenance.
- Professional: accountancy, law, IT and digital, planning, surveying, environmental health, project management.
Levels
Apprenticeships run from Level 2 (like GCSEs) to Level 6 and 7 (degree and master's level). Degree apprenticeships let you earn a full degree with no tuition fees while you work.
Who can apply
Apprenticeships are open to school leavers and to adults, including people changing career and people already working for the council who want to retrain. Entry requirements depend on the level.
Pay and conditions
Council apprentices are usually paid on the council's own grades, often more than the national apprentice minimum wage. Typically £21,000 to £26,000. You also get holiday, the Local Government Pension Scheme and paid time for study.
How to find one
Search for apprentice and trainee jobs on LOCALAUTHORITYJOBS.COM and set up the Weekly for your area. Many councils recruit apprentices in spring and summer for a September start, but posts come up all year.
Employers: advertise apprenticeships free
Apprenticeship and genuine graduate roles can be advertised on LOCALAUTHORITYJOBS.COM free of charge. See advertising options.