The graduate scheme allows you to dip your toe into local government. It provides you with a way to gain valuable technical, personal and leadership skills while using and building on the knowledge you gained at university or college. You also get great benefits!
What we get in return, is a commitment that you'll inject new perspectives and ways of thinking to help services transform and deliver on our Council priorities:
- Supporting stronger and healthier communities
- Promoting opportunities and educational attainment and reducing inequalities
- Supporting a thriving economy and green transition
It's a win-win situation!
Current positions
Our 2024 scheme is now open! Graduate positions are available in the following areas:
Applications close on 1 May 2024. Interviews will be held across May and June with posts starting in August 2024.
To find out more and to apply, visit myjobscotland.
Meet our graduates!
One of the best ways to understand what it’s like to join our graduate programme is to hear from those already on the job. Read Jessica, James and Ilse’s stories to find out more about the benefits of starting your career in the public sector.
Jessica’s story
Jessica joined the graduate programme after achieving a BSc (Hons) Geography from the University of Aberdeen. The 25-year-old currently works in our Grounds Maintenance team.
"Right from the start I was given a lot of responsibility, leading on a major transformation project and supporting GIS projects that helped advance skills I’d gained at university. In a very short space of time, I was trusted to generate works orders and tickets as well as purchase orders for the team.
"Working in the public sector provides the opportunity to improve the lives of individuals within the local community. That is very rewarding. It also provides you with lots of opportunities to upskill. During my time here I’ve been encouraged to take part in training to gain management and leadership skills and been given the opportunity to support the introduction of new digital ways of working.
"The Council volunteering scheme has given me the chance to give something back, using some of my working day to plant trees in the local area. I’ve also helped at the elections and represented the Council at the Fuel Change Challenge – things I would otherwise never have done.
"I’ve found the Council to be a positive, friendly place to work. I’ve always felt supported and continue to work on projects that help expand my skills, knowledge and confidence. Being trusted from day one to work on projects independently has given me a massive boost. The graduate programme really is an amazing way to gain invaluable experience."
James’ story
James joined the graduate programme after achieving a BA (Hons) degree in History from the University of Stirling. The 24-year-old is currently the Planning & Performance Graduate within Falkirk Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
"Working in the public sector, although demanding, is very rewarding as the work you’re involved in can have a positive impact on people within the community. My role has also meant that I need to work with other organisations including the third sector and with community groups. It’s great to hear about the work they undertake to make Falkirk a better place to live.
"The graduate programme has given me the opportunity to develop and enhance the skills I gained at university and the freedom to show my potential. It’s been enjoyable to work and learn within an ambitious Council of the future.
"I've a really good work life balance and there are other benefits to working for the council including opportunities for professional development that you’d not get elsewhere. There’s a good network of graduates and former graduates that are now working in full-time roles with the council. They’ve been a great support and regularly provide advice and encouragement.
"The graduate role really does give you the opportunity and freedom to express yourself. To take you out of your comfort zone and the power to do what you feel is right. It makes you feel empowered, important and that you're doing a job that is worthwhile."