Graduates

Our two-year Graduate Development Programme is dynamic and collaborative and you can expect to work with many different groups and teams - from consulting with local residents to working in partnership with other organisations.

Placements

Throughout the programme you will take on real responsibilities in different placements in key areas of the councils' work. Placements will be based in both boroughs in one of the six Directorates. This will give you the chance to experience a range of different challenges and deepen your skills through a wide variety of work and projects.

Watch the video below to hear about the experiences of those on the programme.

Support

You will have regular access to a supervisor who will support your development throughout the scheme. In addition to a supervisor you will have access to our mentoring scheme where you can choose a senior mentor to help you understand how best to achieve your goals, develop contacts and plan your own development. You will also join a wider community of graduates and will be paired up with a 'buddy'. Your buddy will have first-hand experience of being on the scheme and will provide you with support and advice.

Training and Development

You will take part in a number of activities that are designed to help you to develop the skills, knowledge and experience you need to launch your career. Activities include shadowing opportunities, Q&As with senior managers and leading councillors, organising and assisting at council events, working during elections and many more.

You will take part in an innovative, bespoke training programme which includes areas such as presentation skills, project management and management skills.

Graduates also arrange their own meet-ups where they share experiences, issues and learn from one another in a constructive and insightful way.

Towards the end

In your second year we will work with you to help narrow down your career aspirations, and to help you improve your application and interview technique. We’ll work hard to help support your career aims too.

Previous graduates

Our scheme has a track record of supporting graduates into meaningful careers. Our previous graduates have gone onto a variety of roles across the public sector, including of course staying here at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.

Those who have stayed within Richmond and Wandsworth have taken on roles that have included Housing Development Support Officer, Corporate Support to the Chief Executive, Project Officers and Regeneration Officers. Other alumni have moved onto other roles within local government and the wider public sector, including the Civil Service.

How to apply

Applications are now closed for 2023 recruitment.

Our recruitment for 2024 is likely to start in March/April 2024. Please return for further information.