Working in local government – like with Surrey County Council – means you get to play a crucial part in how our society functions.
Local government refers to branches of government whose powers are specific to a certain geographical area (such as a town, city, or borough.) Parish, community, and town councils, city and county councils, and unitary authorities are all branches of local government.
Local government is responsible for providing a huge array of public services. These include vital provisions like social care, schools, roads, waste collection, licensing, and registrar services. Over a million people in England work in local government.
Are you considering local government as a career? In partnership with Youth Friendly Employer Surrey County Council, we’ve put together six great reasons why we think you should go for it.
1. Many different routes of entry
There are many different ways to get into a career in local government. Which one is most appropriate for you will depend on your goals and where you are in your career journey at the moment.
Just some of the ways you can launch your career include:
- An apprenticeship, which allows you to earn a wage while you learn on the job
- An internship or work experience, which is a limited-time placement that gives you a basic grounding in a role or field
- A traineeship, which gives you a Level 1 qualification and teaches you vital workplace skills through a placement
- A graduate scheme, which provides a route of entry for university leavers
- Applying for an open job
Not all councils or branches of local government will have all these options available, so you should investigate what is available where you live. Chances are there will be several different entry routes you can choose from, depending on your circumstances.
2. Opportunities for growth and development
Local government is a diverse and continually changing space. If you are looking for an exciting role where no two days are the same, then it might be the place for you. The sector is always on the lookout for new talent and is a dynamic place for that talent to flourish.
Working in local government gives you an opportunity to spread your wings, try out new things, and avoid the dreaded workplace rut. Local governments understand that young people are the future, and will support you in your growth and career development.
3. Make a difference
Do you want to get your voice heard and make a real, positive difference in your local community? Local government is influential and has the power to make things happen. If you want to give back to the community where you live and feel good about going to work every day, local government is the place to do it.
What are you passionate about? Whether it’s education, business, sports, the environment, or infrastructure, there’s sure to be a local government role that will allow you to have a positive impact on the things you care about.
4. A progressive and forward-thinking environment
Local governments are committed to equal opportunities. This means that they strive to be safe and welcoming places for everyone and will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, or any other characteristic.
You’re also likely to find local government to be a forward-thinking environment on issues from equality and inclusion to mental health to uplifting women in positions of leadership.
Local governments exist to serve everyone in their communities. So if you’re passionate about equalities and helping everyone to thrive, local government will be a great fit for you.
5. Build your knowledge and skills
Working in local government gives you an incredible opportunity to boost your knowledge, grow your skills, and enhance your CV. You’ll get to work on many different tasks and projects, learn from all different sorts of people, and grow into a well-rounded employee with soft as well as job-specific skills.
And, because local government organisations believe in recognising and rewarding talent, you’ll have access to great training opportunities.
Whether or not you stay in local government long-term, all of this is great news for your CV and will stand you in good stead for whatever comes next in your career journey.
6. Competitive salaries and benefits
While money might not be your first consideration, we all go to work to earn a living. Local government jobs tend to offer competitive salaries. Benefits vary depending on which council you work for but might include things like a generous annual leave allowance, free or discounted access to local amenities such as sports and leisure facilities, car sharing or cycle to work schemes, health and wellbeing services and support, and flexible working.
If you’d like to be part of a workplace that values its people and takes care of them, local government is a great choice.
What next?
Are you interested in working in local government? If so, start by looking on the website of the relevant local authority for your area. They will have a careers section that tells you about the job opportunities and training schemes that are available. You can also speak to your school or college’s careers service for free and impartial advice.
Here’s to launching a great career!
Picture yourself working in local government
You don’t always need qualifications and experience to work in local government.
#LocalGov careers are for everyone!
Working in local government
