A
graduate recruitment scheme for local government employers has proved
successful, attracting 2,400 applications since it was launched in February.
The
National Graduate Programme for local government (NGDP), co-ordinated by the
Employers’ Organisation for Local Government (EOLG), was set up to recruit
graduates with the skills and potential to become the next generation of
managers.
Only
400 of the applicants will be chosen for interview, with the best invited to
attend assessment centres in June and July, where the final decision will be
made.
Nearly
39 local government authorities have expressed an interest and have requested
52 graduates from the scheme.
In
September, the successful candidates will begin a two-year programme, where
they will experience a wide range of authority functions through supervised
placements.
The
EOLG will also fund and co-ordinate a post-graduate management qualification,
national and local training and a short external placement with an organisation
linked closely to the graduate’s host authority.
Carl
Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, said:
"The response from graduates has been fantastic. It explodes the myth that
a career in local government is not valued by graduates."
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Just
6 per cent of local government workers are under 25 and the average cost of
recruiting a graduate is £8,515.
