Graduate Trainee - Digital (Data Analysis)

Leeds City Council; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Graduate Trainee in Digital (Data Analysis) to provide experience in real-world settings. This role includes engagement in digital projects, working closely with IT professionals, and receiving mentorship. Candidates will develop key skills in data analysis and contribute to improving public services through digital transformation. Applicants should have strong communication skills and at least 5 GCSEs alongside a relevant degree. Flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary are included.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Membership of West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Career development opportunities

Staff benefits for well-being

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Excellent communication skills are mandatory.
• Experience in IT and data systems is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Engage in various projects to develop essential technical skills.
• Support Leeds City Council services by transforming ways of working.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and implement digital solutions.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of digital platforms.

Skills

People skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Time management

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C)

Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

As a Graduate Trainee - Digital (Data Analysis) you will receive firsthand digital experience in a real-world setting within the local government sector. You’ll join our Office of Data Analytics within the council’s Integrated Digital Services team, our in-house digital experts who support staff IT needs and deliver online services for residents. With a wide range of specialist roles 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.

Special conditions – this post is subject to a higher‑level check with the Disclosure & Barring Service. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

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

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Work flexibly to support Leeds City Council services by contributing to projects, transforming ways of working, and assisting in the development of digital policies.
• Work closely with IT professionals to gain practical experience and real‑world insights whilst building the essential skills and knowledge required to foster the next generation of digital leaders.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and implement digital solutions that improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Analyse corporate data to inform decision‑making and policy development from a range of sources.
• Assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of digital platforms and tools.
• Support cyber security initiatives to protect digital infrastructure and sensitive information.
• Engage in effective requirements gathering to ensure digital solutions meet user needs.
• Monitor project management and report on the progress of digital schemes.
• Contribute to the development of digital strategies and frameworks.
• Keep up to date with the latest digital trends and technologies to improve digital services.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to project planning and execution.
• Participate in mentorship and learning opportunities including training/networking activities and leadership/management skills growth.
• Provide coaching and/or support to apprentices and oversee/allocate tasks as required.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
• Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training, and development activities to ensure up‑to‑date knowledge and skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Qualifications

• Hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (A‑C) and a degree or equivalent qualification.
• Excellent people and communication skills.
• 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.
• 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.
• This role is based in the UK. Right to work must be demonstrated prior to commencement.
• GSCE: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (A‑C) – English and Maths or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Degree: Recent graduate with a degree or equivalent – experience in a relevant field is desirable.

Essential Requirements

• Able to communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide range of people including internal and external partners using a variety of formats.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team and to demonstrate organisational and time‑management skills prioritising own and team’s work to meet conflicting deadlines.
• Able to use initiative to develop solutions to day‑to‑day issues and problems.
• Able to develop constructive working relationships and work in partnership with others.
• Able to provide customer‑focused service.
• Able to accurately enter and retrieve data and information from digital and manual systems with attention to detail when creating documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Able to develop solutions in a public sector environment demonstrating an understanding of how transforming ways of working can achieve results.
• Able to work with stakeholders to achieve the benefits of change by meeting customer/stakeholder expectations within Leeds City Council budgetary constraints.
• Able to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment and using coaching/mentoring opportunities to support others through rapid change.
• Understand financial and council‑wide impact in decision‑making processes.
• Basic understanding of IT systems, networks and software applications (Microsoft technologies desirable).
• Understand financial pressures local government faces and able to flex to support council priorities.

Benefits

• 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.

UK Work‑Right

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.