Dumfries and Galloway Council will launch its 2015/16 Graduate Scheme tomorrow (Thursday 30 April). The scheme is now in its fourth year and has gone from strength to strength, with over 100 graduates applying for last year’s scheme.
There are 10 placement opportunities up for grabs this year. These include working on Major Events, developing tools to assist with Health and Social Care Integration and assisting with the review of the Council’s Fleet Requirements.
The 8 month placements offer graduates the chance to work on a key Council project and give valuable work experience in a local Government environment, and are a further illustration of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for young people.
Council Leader Ronnie Nicholson said of the scheme;
“Building the local economy is a key priority for our Council. Creating job opportunities for the young people of the region is also something our Council has committed to and continues to deliver in. The work experience these Graduates will gain is invaluable, and the core skills such as communication and leadership will stand them in good stead for future employment, be it with our local authority or another organisation. I would encourage all graduates to have a look at the Prospectus and consider applying for one of the ten placements within our Council.”
The scheme has specific criteria that means only those with links to the region are eligible to apply for one of the placements. To be eligible, you must have achieved a degree in the last 18 months meet one of the following criteria;
• Live in Dumfries and Galloway and have graduated with your degree from any institution
• Obtained your degree in an institution based in Dumfries and Galloway
• You completed your secondary education in Dumfries and Galloway and completed your degree at any institution
• Your family live in Dumfries and Galloway and completed your degree at any institution
Last year the scheme attracted record numbers of applicants. One of the successful candidates was Duncan McKnight, who has been working on designing and presenting a Corporate Communication guide book. He said of the scheme;
“The project I have been working on has opened up new career paths for me. Although not directly related to my degree, the job I have been undertaking has allowed me to utilise the transferable skills I learned at University. The working environment is fast paced and ideal for a Graduate. I have been given lots of varying jobs over the past 8 months and have found these to be both challenging and rewarding. Everyone is very helpful and had made the experience worthwhile. I am in my last week of the placement and have been applying for posts in the same field of work – that’s how much I have enjoyed it.”
The recruitment process is open from Thursday 30 April and is open until Friday 15 May. A copy of the Graduate Prospectus can be downloaded from the Council’s website at www.dumgal.gov.uk/graduate
Alternatively you can pick up a copy at your local Integrated facility/library.
If you’re interested in applying in this fantastic opportunity, do not leave it too late to get your form in!
• Prospectus attached on the link below
http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Dumgal/Releases/11783/0088-15%20Graduate%20Prospectus%202015%20Booklet%20A5.pdf
