Graduate Management Trainee

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

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

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:

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.

As a Graduate Management Trainee, you will:

• Complete a minimum of three placements tackling real projects across key service areas, gaining first-hand experience of how councils deliver meaningful change
• Contribute to policies and programmes that directly improve residents' lives
• Study for a fully funded Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification, supported by mentoring and strong peer networks
• Build the leadership, communication and analytical skills needed for a successful career in local government

Who we’re looking for:

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
• Are 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 of the scheme at Brent

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

• Support through the application process: Access support from current Brent graduates and the Impact team (Insight Session details below)
• Optional third year: Graduates who successfully complete the core programme are guaranteed an additional 1 year fixed-term contract
• Impactful local experience: The scheme offers the chance to work is a diverse borough you know well, gaining experience in a socially responsible council
• Exposure to senior leaders: All graduates are assigned a senior mentor from Brent's Senior Management Team
• Strong peer network: You'll be assigned a buddy, receive regular feedback session and 1:1s with the Placement Coordinator, and benefit from the strong support network created by our 16 current trainees

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

• 27 days’ annual leave (rising with service) plus 8 bank holidays
• Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
• Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
• Supportive family-friendly policies for parent, guardians, and carers
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
• Travel perks including Zipcar access, affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
• Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment

Also, be sure to

• Watch our short video on what it's like to be trainee at Brent
• Join an online Insight Session on 28 November or 4 December (register via Eventbrite)
• Visit Brent.gov.uk/graduates for more information

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 [email protected] before starting.

For further information, please visit the Impact website.