Graduate Management Trainee

Brent Council; Wembley; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the United Kingdom is seeking a Graduate Management Trainee to shape local change and build a career in public service. Applicants must hold a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree and demonstrate potential for leadership and collaboration. The role offers hands-on experience in key service areas, including housing and public health, with mentoring and access to professional qualifications.

Benefits

27 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Hybrid working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel support including season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Must hold, or expect to achieve, a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree by summer 2026.
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme is required.

Responsibilities

• Complete a minimum of three placements across key service areas.
• Work on real projects tackling issues such as housing, regeneration, and health.
• Contribute to policies and programmes that improve residents’ lives.

Skills

Leadership potential

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Curiosity about local government

Education

Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Graduate Management Trainee role at Brent Council

This range is provided by Brent Council. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Shape local change and build a lasting career in public service!

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.

If you have ever considered working for your local council, now is the time. 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:

As a Graduate Management Trainee, you will:

• Complete a minimum of three placements across key service areas, gaining first-hand experience of how councils deliver change for communities
• Work on real projects tackling issues such as housing, regeneration, employment, health and inequality
• Contribute to policies and programmes that directly improve residents’ lives
• Study for a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification, supported by mentoring and peer networks
• Build the leadership, communication and analytical skills needed for a successful career in local government

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.

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
• Be 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 Brent's Local Scheme

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

• Support throughout the application process: Local applicants will receive application support from current Brent graduates. Visit our Graduate Programme page for details on upcoming skills sessions designed to help with online assessments.
• Exposure to senior leaders: Every graduate is assigned a senior mentor from Brent’s Senior Management Team, including directors.
• Strong peer network: With 16 graduates currently on the scheme, you’ll have peer support, a graduate buddy, regular feedback, and one‑to‑one meetings with the placement coordinator throughout your journey.
• Optional third year: Brent will guarantee a further one‑year fixed‑term contract to graduates who successfully complete the core programme.

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

• 27 days’ annual leave (rising with service) plus 8 bank holidays
• Hybrid working (up to 2 days a week from home)
• Supportive family‑friendly policies
• Travel support including season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, Zipcar and affordable parking
• Access to My Brent Rewards for discounts on shopping, travel and entertainment
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme

👉 Visit Our offer to you to learn more.

🧭 Applications close 12 noon, Tuesday 6 January 2026

Application Process

Local candidates take part in the same recruitment stages as national applicants, with the advantage of a guaranteed interview with Brent if they reach the final stage.

As part of the application, you must complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which is the only assessment required at this stage.

• The SJT presents 24 realistic scenarios that a graduate might encounter in the role, each with multiple response options.
• The test is untimed and should be completed in one sitting.
• You will be asked to rank the responses from most appropriate to least appropriate for each question.
• The SJT will appear after completing your initial application questions and must be submitted before your application is finalised.

If you have any questions or require support completing your application or test, please contact [e-mail] before starting.

For further information, please visit the Impact website.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Temporary

Job function

Management, Business Development, and Other

Industries

Government Administration, Civic and Social Organizations, and Education