Graduate Trainee - Digital (Software Development)

Leeds City Council; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Leeds seeks a Graduate Trainee in Digital (Software Development) for hands-on experience in the public sector. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic team on various digital projects, receiving comprehensive training and mentorship. This hybrid role offers flexibility with a minimum expectation of three days in the office. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, a degree in a relevant field, and the ability to work collaboratively. Attractive benefits are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Clear career pathway and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Recent graduates with a degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields are desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with a problem-solving mindset are essential.
• Candidates must have excellent communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support Leeds City Council services by contributing to digital transformation projects.
• Work closely with IT professionals to gain practical experience.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement digital solutions for improved service delivery.

Skills

Excellent people and communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Effective organisational and time-management skills

Knowledge of IT and data systems

Education

Degree in Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber or AI

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A-C) in English and Maths

Job description

As a Graduate Trainee – Digital (Software Development) you will receive firsthand digital experience in a real-world setting within the local government sector. You’ll work with our AI/Low‑Code colleagues in the council’s Integrated Digital Services team, supporting staff IT needs and delivering 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 will develop essential technical skills, give you hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technologies, and allow you to contribute to the corporate digital agenda. The programme aims to foster the next generation of digital leaders who will drive innovation, efficiency, and enhanced public services through digital transformation. 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.

Programme Structure

• Candidates will work in the key teams related to their selected specialty 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 while 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 and networking activities and leadership/management skill development.
• 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.
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours, applying codes of conduct.
• Commit to continuous improvement and to delivering the council’s ambitions for health & wellbeing, inclusive growth and zero carbon.
• Adhere to Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Carry out all duties with 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.
• Be flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Support equality and diversity by providing an anti‑discriminatory workplace.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• Work within the council’s flexibility protocol as expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (A‑C) in English and Maths or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Recent graduate with a degree or equivalent—experience in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI, etc.) is desirable.
• 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 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.

Essential Requirements

• Communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide range of people, both internal and external, using a variety of formats.
• Work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate organisational and time‑management skills prioritising own and team duties to meet conflicting deadlines.
• Use initiative to develop solutions to day‑to‑day issues and problems.
• Develop constructive working relationships and work in partnership with others.
• Provide customer‑focussed service.
• 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.
• Develop solutions in a public sector environment, demonstrating an understanding of how changing ways of working can achieve results.
• Work with stakeholders to achieve the benefits of change by meeting customer and stakeholder expectations within Leeds City Council budgetary constraints.
• Learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment, using coaching and 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 be able to flex to support council priorities.

Benefits & Culture

• 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 support wellbeing and financial wellbeing.

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.