Overview
Our graduate training programme is part of Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme. It's the only graduate programme that UK local authorities offer and is run by the Local Government Association (LGA).
What to expect as a graduate trainee
The programme lasts for 2-years. As a graduate trainee, you'll:
- get the chance to grow your leadership skills and knowledge
- complete up to 4 placements across a range of departments
- have opportunities to join us as a member of staff after completing the programme
How to apply
The LGA coordinates the annual application process, and we get involved at the interview stage.
The application process is currently open until 7 January 2025.
We particularly encourage applications from local graduates who understand what it's like to live and work in Royal Greenwich.
Meet our graduate trainees
Some of our trainees have shared their experiences to give you an insight into how the programme works and what trainees get out of it.
Ibrahim
My placements so far
My first placement is in fleet and waste strategy at Birchmere. Initially, I was sceptical as it was away from the other trainees and The Woolwich Centre, but as I slowly settled in with my manager and team, I found myself being really immersed in my work and enjoying it.
My favourite moment so far
Attending a Leadership Away Day. This consisted of colleagues in senior positions and individuals who have been working at the council for over 30 years. I found it interesting being around all these individuals, taking in all their experience, advice, and skills so that I can apply them into my placements.
Why I would recommend this scheme
The opportunity to work closely with senior members of staff is something that other graduate schemes cannot always offer. This factor has helped me develop at a much more efficient rate than if I was potentially at a different scheme. Also, the fact that there are 4 placements is something that other schemes cannot offer - being able to experience different departments and pick up different skills is invaluable.
Ehireme
My placements so far
My placement thus far has really allowed me to get involved with local government policy. I feel like I'm getting involved in real and impactful change.
My favourite moment so far
Meeting someone that I believed would be perfect to head up one of the projects I'm working on. It was really intriguing and inspiring to hear about their work.
Why I would recommend this scheme
If you actually want to see change on a local level; if you've always wanted to get involved in helping people: I recommend the scheme.
Roisin
My placements so far
The Leader's office.
My favourite moment so far
Hosting the launch of a new commission and seeing my work come to life!
Why I would recommend this scheme
In under 6 months I can already feel that I have changed and become more confident! I have spent time working with various councillors and directors, which I never would've thought I would be granted the freedom to do so early into the scheme. It has made me feel like a truly valued member of staff and as though I can look ahead to progressing further in my career.
Joanna
My placements so far
One of my favourite moments so far has been getting experience out in the community. This has been by visiting the Advice Hubs, Welcoming Spaces, and Community Meals where I have met residents and community workers and could learn more about their thoughts and experiences. These visits have also helped me in researching my project evaluations.
My favourite moment so far
Hosting the launch of a new commission and seeing my work come to life!
Why I would recommend this scheme
On the scheme you get to experience so much variety, working in different teams with different people and on different projects. You can pick up all sorts of skills. The scheme also helps you to be more adaptable as you move between different teams and working environments around the council.
Linzi
My placements so far
Violence Against Women and Girls - Safer Communities.
My favourite moment so far
When we went to Greenwich Peninsula to hand out free women's safety kits. It was a great opportunity to speak with residents and hear their concerns firsthand and learn how our work in local government is making a positive impact on their lives.
Why I would recommend this scheme
The opportunity to undergo 4 different placements is a chance to try something new! I had never done work related to my current placement before, but by applying the skills I learned from university and previous jobs, I was able to add my input to the council's work and support in new stimulating projects that are expanding my knowledge and experiences.
Additionally, the scheme allows you to meet new people. Everyone in the council is happy to help and you'll be joined by other graduates on this journey so there's a whole network of support.
Meet the trainees who now work for us
Molly - Children's Services, Quality Improvement
My placements
My first placement was in the Change and Improvement Team at Greenwich. So far, I have supported initiatives put forward for the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and helped with the development of the council's Annual Plan. This has given me lots of exposure to senior leaders, a good understanding of the broader challenges facing the council and an insight into the importance of corporate strategy.
My favourite moment
The project I have been leading has involved liaising with departments across the council to collect data against our success measures within the Corporate Plan. I've found this both interesting and rewarding as it involves working with lots of different people across the organisation to collect data intended to monitor corporate performance, which will ultimately be published in our Annual Plan.
Why I would recommend this scheme
I'd really recommend the scheme to anyone who wants to work in local government but isn't sure what area they want to specialise in. The scheme provides you with a great opportunity to get involved in all different types of work, learn new skills and make connections across the organisation. Greenwich also has a great support network and is a very welcoming environment - if you ever have questions, people are always happy to help.
Caitlin - Human Resources (HR)
My placements
My first placement was in Housing, as part of the community participation team, working with council tenants and leaseholders. In this role, I got to produce a newsletter, which was circulated to 30,000 tenants and housing panels, to help tenants and leaseholders feel heard.
In my second placement, I worked on several programmes within HR that looked out for staff wellbeing, including promoting counselling services and mental health first aiders, as well as researching and creating action plans for a number of potential new programmes around mentoring and equality.
My favourite moment
I have really enjoyed working with the other graduates at Royal Greenwich, and the opportunity to meet other people on a similar career path to myself. I have really enjoyed being able to work with other graduates in some of the placements so far.
Why I would recommend this scheme
I would recommend the scheme for anyone who is interested in working in the public sector, as graduates on the programme in Royal Greenwich receive a lot of exposure to the different elements of a local authority.
The scheme enables you to experience a variety of front and back-office operations in a council, which provide a wide range of transferable skill sets. You will also be able to access opportunities, such as attending council meetings, 'Meet the Director' sessions and a mentoring programme with directors and assistant directors.
Maddie - Continuous Improvement Team
My placements
My first placement was in the Continuous Improvement (CI) Team. If there is a project that seeks to drive change in the organisation, or works across multiple directorates, the team will provide project support and leadership. As a result, I've had the opportunity to work with teams across the Council and gain lots of exposure to senior leaders.
So far, I've supported the development of our next corporate plan, helped design a staff champion model for our equality, diversity, and inclusion programme, and supported the Women's Safety Taskforce with improving safety and access to services for women. Much of the work has been strategic and policy-focused, and I've been given real responsibility and ownership from the beginning.
My favourite moment
It's tricky pinpointing one particular moment! One area of work I've really enjoyed is setting up the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) Policy Network. The network's purpose is to demystify a career in policy and connect current and former NGDP graduates interested in working in policy or engaging in policy issues.
The experience has allowed me to meet graduates across the country, and I recently hosted an online panel event with different policy experts. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it was incredibly rewarding and helped me grow in confidence.
Why I would recommend this scheme
I feel incredibly privileged to be on the NGDP scheme at Greenwich. As someone who was previously in a different sector, the range of learning and development opportunities on the scheme is unique, as well as the flexibility you have to explore your areas of interest.
I think it's fair to say that local government doesn't always have the most glamourous reputation, but I've been surprised and impressed.
The remit of the council is huge - from public health, to education, to climate change, to housing, to women's safety and more! It tackles some of society's biggest issues at a local level.
When considering graduate schemes, you'd be hard-pressed to find one in such a diverse and varied organisation. It's also lovely to start a new job with graduates in a similar position, sharing a similar experience.
Dorothy - Community Participation Coordinator
My placements
My first placement was in Health and Adult Services, where I worked with residents and saw the difference we make to the community. One of my responsibilities included creating a video clip for residents with learning disabilities, to ensure that there is better understanding of Direct Payments.
Next, I worked with the HR Workforce Development team. I was able to gain an insight into how internal departments are supported, co-manage the Employee Mentoring Programme and assist in creating new guidance documents.
Then my third placement was in Public Health. I took part in researching mental health attitudes across the borough and challenging the stigma around it.
For my fourth placement, I joined the Community Participation and Diversity team in Housing and Safer Communities. This role was about increasing community engagement from our council tenants and leaseholders, and I had the opportunity to manage another member of staff for the first time, write a scrutiny report and produce our Talk Housing newsletter.
Then I joined the Procurement team as a bonus placement. In this unique role, I was able to check through contracts, uncover legal issues, and develop a working knowledge of the different processes for procuring goods and services for the council.
My favourite moment
My best memory is co-managing the Employee Mentoring Programme with two other graduates in our cohort. An enjoyable experience, we worked well as a team to transform the previous scheme. It was an opportunity to lead a project early on in my placement journey.
Why I would recommend this scheme
Royal Greenwich promotes the graduate scheme, which is extremely helpful when you are a new graduate. I felt supported both professionally and personally and I would certainly recommend the programme to others.
How I came to work at Royal Greenwich permanently
During my bonus placement in Procurement, I noted that a role was advertised in the Community Participation and Diversity Team. I enjoyed working with the team during my placement and, as I had worked in the team before, I had a good insight into their key priorities.
I worked hard on my application and was successful at interview and I started in January 2020.The role provides so many opportunities to get involved in different projects. An important aspect of my role is that I work with councillors and the Directorate Management Team (DMT). I really enjoy my role in the council.