Council encourages more young people to get involved in local government

Harborough District Council provides many opportunities for young people to become engaged in in the planning and delivery of vital services for people and businesses in the district or support services like ICT and Human Resources.

The council regularly has representation at careers fairs including recently at Welland Park Academy, where a classroom talk was given to pupils to highlight careers and pathways, and later this month a visit is planned to Lutterworth College.

During National Careers Week 2023 (6-11 March), students from Welland Park Academy were invited to the Symington Building to see how the council operates.

Mock interviews are supported by the council at careers events and local businesses are asked to get involved, with work placements also being facilitated.

The council often hosts work experience students from local schools to build their confidence and boost their knowledge and skills. 

Since 2015, the council has been running an effective apprenticeship programme in areas such as ICT, project management, business administration, building control surveying, environmental services, regulatory compliance and public service operational delivery. Upon completion of their apprenticeships, some have secured permanent roles within the council.

The council supports continuous development in its staff and invests in further and higher-level education.

Cllr Buddy Anderson, Young Person’s Champion, said: “We want the next generation to see the benefit of working in local government, and for them to be the positive change that they would want to see in the community. Afterall, it is the young who will go on to decide the future of the Harborough district, so it is vital they are aware the of opportunities available to them.”

For more information about careers at the council visit www.harborough.gov.uk/careers