The ngdp is a two–year graduate management development programme, run by the Improvement and Development Agency (The IDeA) that is designed to develop future managers and leaders in local government.

It was set up to provide local government with the high calibre managers their communities need, and to give committed graduates the training, qualifications and opportunities to make a real difference. Local government is the largest employer in the UK, with over two million staff in over 400 local authorities and in excess of 500 different occupational areas.

Over 450 graduates have completed the programme and many now hold important managerial and policy roles in the sector. Local government is going through many positive changes at present and as a national management trainee on the ngdp, graduates will be a key component of these changes.

The national programme framework is built on a series of  placements in key areas of a participating council  and offers a range of experiences and challenges which will provide a broad understanding of many aspects of local government in strategy, front line service and support.  Although employed by a participating authority, on a 2-year fixed term contract, graduates will benefit from being part of a national programme group; participate in a national induction event and study for a postgraduate qualification. Mentoring is also provided on a regional basis and support is provided through local authorities, national networks and a dedicated central ngdp team.

The programme has taken graduates in many different directions, and will enable them to be part of an exiting period of opportunity which not only recommends change, but actually makes it happen.

Starting salary for 2010 £22,730 plus London weighting

Application deadline 12th January 2009 

80+ vacancies for graduates in 2010