Early careers

We aim to create a stimulating working environment which provides opportunities for our people to be their best. We offer a range of development programmes and ongoing learning. Whether you're still in education or about to leave, returning to work or just looking for a new career, here's a small taste of what we offer currently.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great route to employment and education. We hope to be able to offer permanent employment at the end of an apprenticeship where possible, and we've have had some success stories with that in the past.  Cllr Victoria Atherstone, member for culture, wellbeing and business sums it up: 

I know the council has officers who started their career on a previous apprenticeship programme, who have worked with us for over a decade now. By partnering with local education providers we’re directly investing in our local talent of both young and life-long learners which in turn helps to support the future prosperity of our town.

Cheltenham Borough Council has joined South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SWANN) a highly regarded organisation which aims to champion apprenticeships, raise awareness and increase engagement to meet the needs of employers, communities, and individuals across the country.

We regularly take on apprentices. You'll be supported in a course of study through local colleges and universities whilst gaining valuable workplace experience and new skills. The most recent intake took up positions in four different areas ranging from finance to building control.

News about future apprenticeship opportunities will appear in our current vacancies on the jobs and careers pages of our website.

Helping people into work

We're always keen to find new ways to help people get back into work or gain vital skills and experience at the start of their working life.  

We recently took advantage of the government’s Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create paid jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.

We were able to offer a 6 month paid placement in our climate team, partnering with Gloucestershire College to provide essential career skills that will support them beyond the placement.

As with apprenticeships, it's always our aspiration to secure permanent employment within the organisation at the end of a placement where possible.

Leadership and management qualifications

Leadership development is one of our key priorities.

We have created the opportunity for any of our employees to gain a qualification, whether they are aspiring to be a manager or already in a manager role.

We work with Gloucestershire College and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) to offer a three tier leadership development programme that embraces leadership at every level. The ILM is one of the leading professional bodies for leadership and management whose qualifications are nationally recognised. We aim to have an annual intake and the first level is open to every employee.

Work experience placements for students

Work experience placements can benefit all those involved, and are especially helpful for your future employability. You'll learn new skills, discover what it's like to work in a particular role, and this can help you shape your career goals.

Our offices are located in the heart of Cheltenham town centre and we're ideally placed to offer students a wide range of work experience opportunities, from building control to working in our busy press office.

We don’t offer a formal programme of work experience opportunities but you are welcome to get in touch to see if we are able to help. We will need to know the specific area of work you are interested in. Please email [email protected]

Internships

From time to time we are able to offer internships. Details will be advertised on our current vacancies page.