The Derbyshire County Council Graduate Programme

Delivering for Derbyshire by investing in you...

Have you graduated from university or expect to be graduating this summer and are looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity to kickstart your career in local government? Look no further! Derbyshire County Council is excited to announce our new graduate scheme within our Place, Children’s Services and ICT departments commencing this September.

We’re offering fantastic opportunities for talented and ambitious graduates who are motivated to launch an exciting and varied career whilst improving the lives of Derbyshire residents.

The scheme allows successful applicants to join our programme on a 2-year fixed-term contract within either our Place, Children’s Services and ICT departments offering the chance to rotate around the various teams within your area of specialisation and be exposed to a broad range of experiences that only working in a large organisation like ours can offer.

The goal of the scheme is to create well-rounded and high-performing individuals who will become the future leaders of Derbyshire County Council.

We’re offering 3 options to candidates depending on their areas of specialism and career goals

Our options:

Place

Our Place department is responsible for managing and maintaining the County's built and natural environment, including its roads, buildings, public transport, and green spaces. The department is responsible for encouraging economic growth, planning and delivering infrastructure projects, such as new roads and buildings, as well as maintaining and improving existing infrastructure. It also works to ensure that the County's environment is sustainable, its activities are carbon neutral and that residents have access to high-quality public services.

Our Place team are seeking several graduates with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (or relevant subject, such as Geography) to springboard their career to success. You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication, project management skills and a commitment to sustainability.

Children’s Services (Data Analysis)

Our Children's Services department is responsible for providing support and services to children, young people, and families across the County. The department works to ensure that children and young people are safe, healthy, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. It provides a range of services, including support for families in need, fostering and adoption services, education, and care for children with special needs. The department also works with other agencies and organisations to ensure that children and young people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Our Children’s Services team are seeking graduates who are passionate about Data Analysis with a degree in relevant subjects such as: IT Systems, Data Science, Business Analytics, etc. This opportunity will enable you to gain experience of case management systems to capture and analyse complex datasets supporting the delivery of Children’s Social Care and Educational Services.

ICT

Our ICT department maintains and improves the Council's technology systems. They design, operate, and troubleshoot computer networks, software systems and communication tools that power the Council's operations. They also work to make sure technology is secure and reliable, and help the public engage with us through technology. The department play an essential role in helping the Council achieve its goals and in making Derbyshire a better place.

Successful candidates will be offered structured experience across ICT Services. You will have exposure to some of the following disciplines: systems administration, systems development, 1st/2nd/3rd line support, desktop management, digital adoption, ICT asset management, data centre management, network management, database administration, customer service management, licence management and organisational support.

Who are you?

Don't worry we're not looking for years of experience, just a positive and ambitious mindset, a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.

You need to be willing to commit for two years of full-time work (you'll of course get annual leave and bank holidays off!) and be able to work from our head office at County Hall in Matlock, on location around Derbyshire and remotely from home. Working arrangements are service specific, some placements may require 100% onsite work for a period.

And what will you receive in return?

You’ll get the opportunity to learn from People at all levels and have the opportunity to set yourself up for a varied and rewarding career within local government and you’ll get the opportunity to use your skills and experience to improve outcomes for residents across Derbyshire.

Whichever department you join, you’ll have the support of the other graduates on your intake. You’ll also receive a mentor to support you at all stages of your journey and you’ll be in a great position to apply for a permanent role within the Council at the end of your two-year tenure.

As well as training and development, mentoring, networking opportunities and participation on our Leadership Development Programme you’ll also receive:

• Competitive salary
• Fantastic local government pension
• 25 days of annual leave
• Employee reward scheme

Ready to apply?

If you’re passionate about embracing transformation, supporting continuous improvement, and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals, you have or will achieve a degree in a relevant subject and have Right to Work in the UK from September 2023 for two years, then we’d love to hear from you!

Please note that the selection process will include an assessment centre in May at in Matlock, Derbyshire.