A
graduate recruitment scheme for local government employers has proved extremely
successful, attracting 2,400
applications since it launched in February.
The
National Graduate Programme for local government, co-ordinated by the
Employers’ Organisation for local government (EO), was set up to recruit
graduates with the skills and potential to become the next generation of
managers.
Only
400 applicants will be chosen for interview, with the best being invited to
attend assessment centres in June and July where the final decision will be
made.
Nearly
39 local authorities have already expressed an interest in employing graduates
of the scheme.
In
September the selected candidates will begin a two-year programme, where they
will undergo training in a wide range of functions through supervised
placements.
The
EO 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, is pleased
with the interest shown in the scheme. He said: "The response from
graduates to the launch of the programme has been fantastic and argues well for
the future of the initiative and, indeed, local government. It also explodes the
myth that a career in local government is not valued by graduates.
"The
programme has an important part to play in ensuring that local government
attracts people of real talent and potential."
Just
6 per cent of local government workers are under 25 and the average cost of
recruiting a graduate is £8,515.
