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Public sector jobs brief - trainee and graduate jobs
The public sector provides a huge number of varied roles, so wherever your interests and skills lie, there are many positions for you to explore as a Graduate.
For example, the NHS is the third biggest employer in the world. But this is just a fraction of the public sector industry, which also includes education, local government, the armed forces, social care and voluntary work. All together, it provides one of the largest and most varied choices of employment in the UK.
One aspect that makes the public sector so attractive is the opportunity it provides to work with so many people and give something back to society. It offers the chance for you to challenge yourself, putting your skills to the test and make a difference in people's lives.
As a graduate, you'll find many different organisations looking to take on university leavers. They will often provide a full training programme to help you make the transition from student to employee, in such a vast industry.
See the individual job descriptions for specific details on the many different roles available.
Hours/Environment
The beauty of the public sector is that whatever way you prefer to work, there's the right environment to suit you available. Renowned for shift work and flexible hours, there are also many part-time opportunities.
For example, working within education, you'll often be working from around 9am until 3.30-4pm, Monday to Friday. Plus, you'll benefit from a 39 week working year, taking full advantage of the long school holidays.
In social work, you'll find yourself often working shifts in a 35-40 hour week. Depending on the kind of social work you entered, the environment could range from an office or your own home, to a hostel or care home.
The armed forces offers particularly varied hours. Its many different positions cover everything from typical office hours to spending weeks situated within barracks both in the UK and overseas.
Even within the same industry, environments can widely vary. In a smaller organisation, you'll find a closer, more social environment compared to a large company. Look around the different employers in your preferred public sector industry for an environment that suits you.
Skills and interests:
The range of skills you need for the public service can change between roles, but the following would be an ideal start:
- good communication skills
- a genuine desire to help others
- the ability to manage your time
- commitment to train
- good people skills
- focus and determination
- an understanding of your skills and ambition
- the ability to apply your skills to the workplace
Entry
To join the public sector you could become a trainee, choosing from a range of schemes available across the different business areas.
To enter as a graduate you'll need a degree, however, there are no specific qualifications needed for a lot of the positions. If the role you want does require a degree in a specific subject, there is a range of training schemes and additional qualifications to bring you to speed.
What many employers in the public sector are really looking for are skilled people. With skills in high demand, there are many employers out there looking to make the most of your talent. If you're able to demonstrate a good level of ability and knowledge, you'll have an advantage to be snapped up.
Some areas such as healthcare or education, however, will be looking for a higher level of education and specialised training.
As a doctor or nurse, for example, you'd be expected to undertake a long period of study, training and work placement. Following initial qualifications, you'll then have to choose the route you wish to specialise in, such as a dentistry, radiography or mental health nursing to name a few.
If you're not sure where you want to take your career, the public sector lets you test many paths through work experience and temporary placements. This can be a great way to get a first hand idea of what working within the different industries is like. Also, it gives you a chance to build on your skills in a workplace environment.
Following a placement, full time work is not uncommon. So, if you like where you try, you're at a good advantage to be kept on. If it's not for you, then you still leave with valuable experience that will be favoured by employers.
Training
When you first enter the sector it's likely you'll have to have to work your way up. But, renowned for its commitment to training, many industries in the public sector provide structure training schemes that are designed to take you from trainee to the top.
Plus, speaking with experienced co-workers is also a valuable tool to gain extra knowledge and skills that will take your career further.
The level of scheme will vary from job to job, with some featuring very specific routes. Teaching roles have particular teacher training schemes to develop confidence and help you take your knowledge and learn how to apply it to teaching.
Transport also provides excellent training possibilities. As a train driver, for instance, you'll enter a training centre, followed by instruction from an experienced driver and learning routes.
Whatever career choice you make, it will feature valuable on the job training that combines with formal training. This applies to everything from librarian and zookeeper, all the way to HR and charity work.
Opportunities
The public sector is bursting with opportunities, especially if your skills are up to scratch. Innovation and developments in technology have also led to an increase in the choices out there, especially in marketing and IT.
With such focus on staff development, you'll have the opportunity to increase your skills and work your way up the various promotion ladders. This can take you from teacher assistant to head teacher, admin to manager or from police officer to sergeant.
Many roles, such as in administration, HR, marketing and accountancy will provide you with skills that would allow you to change career and explore new opportunities in different industries.
If you want a change, the experience you'll gain in the public sector will let you change between organisations, industries or even sectors to allow you to take your career where you want.
Annual income
As a Graduate or Trainee, you'll find that working in the public sector will provide you not only with a salary above the national average, but many positions will also provide extra benefits.
On average, you could expect a salary of around £25,000 - £50,000 following your training.
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