Discover Local Government

Find your ideal path – and make a difference – with a career in local government.

Silhouettes of people on a green and blue background

If you are a young person who is passionate about making a real difference in your community, then local government could be the ideal place for you to get a job.

Councils faces many challenges, and they need fresh minds to find creative solutions to best deliver important services to local people.

There has never been a more interesting and exciting time to join local government.


What is local government?

There are 339 councils across England and Wales. They provide more than 800 different services in a wide range of areas including health, social care, housing, the environment and culture.

From large to small, urban to rural, they all have one thing in common – an important role in making sure people have the support and services needed to help live their lives.

What skills do you need to work there?

Because of the huge number of roles available in councils, there is no one set of skills you need. But it is important to be able to work as part of a team, to think on your feet, and be able to adapt to change. Most people already have these skills, and you can master many more on the job.

How do I get a job in local government?

There are many different ways to get a job in local government, including through apprenticeships, internships, graduate schemes or entry level roles. Having a good education can give you more opportunities, but there are roles in councils for everyone.

You can watch our video guides to learn more about the roles available at local government.

Where can I apply for jobs?

The best way to find work in a council is through the job section of your local council’s website. You can find it through the following link – just enter your postcode.

Find your council