City of Wolverhampton Council is on the lookout for young local talent to join its prestigious graduate scheme.

It forms part of a sustained bid by the Council and partners to support 18 to 24-year-olds into work or learning opportunities and dramatically reduce youth unemployment in the city from 2,660.

The Council is focussing on recruiting students and graduates who live in the City of Wolverhampton to take part in the scheme, which is run in partnership with the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP). 

The scheme provides a unique opportunity for bright and ambitious young talent - and for those graduates who are successful in getting through the assessment process, a public sector management career awaits them. 

Successful applicants will take part in a two-year fast-track graduate programme where they will rotate around at least three different placements across the Council, working on projects and services that make a tangible impact on people's lives. They will also undertake a national learning and development programme with the rest of their cohort, leading to a postgraduate qualification in leadership and management.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: “Our graduate scheme has developed some fantastic employees who are enjoying flourishing careers at the Council.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has hit our young people hard and it’s vital that we do all we can to support them to move into further education, training or work. This includes traineeships, apprenticeships and work experience placements.

“This year we are eager to recruit local talent to our graduate scheme and therefore I’d urge anyone who is eligible to get their application in fast to be in with a chance of launching themselves on an exciting career path in their home city.”

Applications will only be considered from Wolverhampton citizens with a 2:2 degree or above.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

The impact of the pandemic has left Wolverhampton with the highest unemployment rate for 18 to 24-year-olds in the UK – but city employers are reporting high levels of vacancies.

The Council – through its £3million ‘Wolves at Work 18-24’ programme - is now providing funding and calling on the support of city employers to develop a comprehensive ‘One City’ approach to deliver targeted intervention and better connect young people to skills and employment opportunities in the region.

For details on how to apply for the graduate scheme, please visit Local Recruitment for the National Graduate Programme – City of Wolverhampton Council.

If you have any other questions about the scheme, please contact OD.Team@wolverhampton.gov.uk.