Local government officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You may need to do a degree or a job-specific qualification, depending on the department you want to work in. Subjects include:

• town planning
• urban design
• historic building conservation
• housing

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course before applying directly for this role.

Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration
• Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship will depend on your duties but examples include:

• intermediate or advance apprenticeship in business or administration
• public service operational delivery officer advanced apprenticeship

These usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start in local government as an administrative assistant and work your way up to more senior positions through training on the job. Experience in office work would be useful.

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got the right skills and experience. Some local authorities may ask for at least 4 GCSEs, A levels, or equivalent qualifications, depending on the vacancy.

For certain jobs, you may need a degree or specific professional qualification in an area like town planning or public policy.

Knowledge of common office software packages and experience in working in customer service are also valued by employers, and could help your career prospects.

OtherRoutes

You may be able to join a local authority's National Graduate Development Programme if you've got a first class or upper second class degree. Most subjects are acceptable.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• administration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• business management skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• maths skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Local government officers put council policies into practice and provide local services.

Depending on your level of responsibility, you could:

• manage and evaluate projects
• write reports and briefing papers
• deal with enquiries and give advice
• present information at meetings
• supervise administrative work and manage clerical staff
• keep records
• prepare and manage contracts
• deal with other agencies
• manage budgets and funding

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £17,500
Experienced : £37,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings attending events or appointments

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress into management.

You could also move into other public sector areas like the NHS or the voluntary sector.