Graduate Trainee (AI & Automation)

Job Title: Graduate Trainee - Digital (AI & Automation)

Salary: C1 £29,542 - £32,046

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: 2-year Fixed Term

Location: Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8BB

Start your digital career by using AI and automation to solve real problems and improve services for people across Leeds. You'll join a supportive graduate programme where you can build practical skills, work on meaningful projects and learn from experienced digital professionals.

As a Graduate Trainee in Digital, you'll help make council services faster, simpler and smarter. You'll receive hands-on training, mentoring and opportunities to work towards industry-recognised certifications giving you a strong foundation for a career in AI, automation and digital technology. A structured development plan will take you from fundamentals and basic skills to more innovative and complex solutions. There will be a personalised track of industry certifications, focussing on the latest Microsoft business, AI and Automation toolsets.

This opportunity is part of our IT Talent Management Programme offering new routes into digital careers at the council.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions .

About you As a Graduate Trainee - Digital, you will hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) and a degree or equivalent qualification. Experience in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI etc.) is desirable. You will bring to this role:

• Excellent people and communication skills.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of IT and data systems with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
• An ability to develop constructive working relationships and work in partnership with others.
• Effective organisational and time management skills.
• A positive attitude and commitment to providing excellent customer service.

About the role

As a Graduate Trainee - Digital (AI & Automation) you will receive firsthand digital experience in a real-world setting within the local government sector.

You'll join our Power Platform Team within the council's Integrated Digital Service , our in-house digital experts who support staff IT needs and deliver online services for residents. With a wide range of specialist functions and a strong focus on innovation, this role offers a great foundation for a rewarding career in tech.

Engaging in various projects to develop essential technical skills, you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the corporate digital agenda. The role will include development, mentorship and training opportunities including the opportunity to share the knowledge and skills you develop with peers and train junior team members as your abilities develop. This role will have a significant impact on local government operations and public services. Alongside on-the-job learning you will be encouraged to work towards industry standard certifications.

This programme aims to foster the next generation of digital leaders who will drive innovation, efficiency, and enhanced public services through digital transformation.

Please note: Hybrid working is available but successful candidates will be expected to spend at least three days per week in the Leeds office for the first six months of the contract. Working patterns and locations will then be agreed locally with line managers.

Should we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the application window earlier than advertised.

You will be contacted if you have been selected for the next stage of recruitment.

What we offer you We take pride in offering the best employee experience with benefits including:

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words .

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please email [email protected] .

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose -Engage in various projects to develop essential technical skills, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the corporate digital agenda. This role will help drive improvements in public service delivery, ensuring Leeds City Council meets the needs of the wider community effectively and efficiently.

Programme Structure - the graduate programme is designed to provide comprehensive training and practical experience over a two-year fixed period. Candidates will work in targeted areas and on key projects, gaining exposure to different aspects of digital change within local government. Key components of the programme include:

• Candidates will work in the key teams related to their selected specialism such as data analysis, cyber security, and software development/testing.
• Each candidate will be paired with a senior mentor who will provide guidance, support, and career development advice.
• Development & Assessment: Comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and seminars will be provided to enhance technical skills and industry knowledge.
• Graduates may have the opportunity to contribute to key digital projects that will have a significant impact on local government operations and public services.

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