Early Careers

Considering a Career in Local Government? 

Working in the public sector is hugely rewarding career path which puts you at the heart of communities supporting organisational aspirations and vision to improve people’s lives. 

St Helens Council is proud and ambitious, with caring and hard-working people who want the best for their communities. 

If you are interested in a career with your local council you will find useful information and events on this careers site that could be the first step for you to develop the skills you need to start a career that makes a real difference!

 

Information & Resources for Care Leavers

If you are a St Helens Care Leaver applying for a job at St Helens Council , we will guarantee an interview if you are able to demonstrate you meet the criteria in the person specification for the role. You can find out more about the Guaranteed Interview Scheme by visiting the Applying to join us tab on this site.

Our Promise to You - Details of our pledge to Care Leavers can be viewed here  Care Leavers Pledges - Our Promise To You,

It is your choice if you choose to disclose that you are a care leaver when applying for roles with us however If you do decide to tell us, you can let us know on your application form or if you would like more information you can contact the Futures Team on FuturesTeam@sthelens.gov.uk .  

You can also find more information on our Local Offer for our Care Leavers by clicking on the link St Helens Care Leavers Local Offer

Did you know that if you’re a care experienced apprentice, you could be entitled to extra support during your apprenticeship.

Find out more here Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

 

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop your skills and experience on-the-job whilst gaining a recognised qualification.

They combine practical on-the-job training alongside studying work-related qualifications. If you prefer to learn by ‘doing’, then an apprenticeship may be the right thing for you!

With different subjects and levels of qualification the great thing is you can do an apprenticeship at any point in your career.

Apprenticeships can take from one to four years to complete and the level that you start at will vary depending on your current skills, qualifications, and experience.

 

Apprenticeship FAQs

In England, anyone over the age of 16 and not in full time education can apply for an apprenticeship.

You can apply for an apprenticeship whilst you are still at school but you will need to be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

How much will I get paid?
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Apprentices under 19 must be paid a minimum apprenticeship wage. Everyone over 19 and not in the first year of a level 2 or level 3  apprenticeship should receive the national minimum wage for your age . 

How long will my apprenticeship take to complete?
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Apprenticeships can take from one to four years to complete depending on your level of entry, and the type of apprenticeship you choose. The level that you start at will vary depending on your current skills, qualifications, and experience. 

What level of qualification will I achieve?
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There are 3 different levels:

  • Intermediate Apprenticeships (equivalent to GCSE level) 

  • Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to A Levels) 

  • Higher Apprenticeships 4,5,6 and 7 (equivalent to Foundation degree) OR Higher Apprenticeship 7 /7 (degree/masters) 

Do I get the same work rights as other types of employees?
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Yes Apprentices get the same working rights and conditions as everyone else.

Where can I get support with completing my application?
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You can access free help, advice and support to complete your application here Application support 

Graduate Opportunities

Graduate roles provide you with an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience of local government and work with internal and external stakeholders to shape major change and transformation.

St Helens Council’s support residents, deliver major regeneration schemes to shape the visual and cultural environment, and drive continuous improvement and innovation across the Borough.

The LCR Graduate Network is a group of Graduates employees from Councils across the Liverpool City Region who meet regularly to generate work opportunities, pass on advice and share challenges, develop skills and receive interesting talks. 

Sign up for job alerts to be notified of Graduate Vacancies.

 

Applying For Work Experience

Work experience is a fantastic way to get insight into a chosen career and can be useful for anyone of any age helping you to gain valuable skills or even decide what to do if you are:  

  • looking for your first job 

  • at school and looking for work experience 

  • at university and looking for short term unpaid internship or placement 

  • looking to get back into work 

If you would like to enquire about a work placement please email us at WorkExperience@sthelens.gov.uk