Early Careers
If you are considering a career with your local council you will find a range of options available on this page that could help you develop the skills you need to make change happen and start a career that makes a real difference!
Working in local government is hugely rewarding and a fantastic career path. Embarking on a public sector career puts you at the heart of communities supporting organisational aspirations and vision to improve people’s lives.
St Helens is a proud and ambitious borough, with caring and hard-working people who want the best for their children, families, and communities.
St Helens Care Leavers
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 .
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.
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. Apprenticeships 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 and one of the many benefits is, you’ll get paid while you complete the qualification!
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.
You can check out any current apprentice opportunities on the Search Jobs Tab on this site, or for future vacancies submit an Expression of Interest Form via the Talent Network section of the vacancies page.
You can also search for apprentice roles at the Combined Authority of the Liverpool City Region which includes six local councils - Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral https://www.liverpoolcityregionjobs.co.uk/
We have included some common Apprentice FAQs below.
Apprenticeship FAQs
Who can apply for an apprenticeship? addremove
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?addremove
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?addremove
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?addremove
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?addremove
Yes Apprentices get the same working rights and conditions as everyone else.
Where can I get support with completing my application?addremove
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 work across a range of council functions, to gain knowledge and experience of local government and work with internal and external stakeholders to shape major change and transformation.
Our Council’s support some of the country’s most vulnerable residents, deliver major regeneration schemes to shape the visual and cultural environment and drive continuous improvement and innovation that address and reduce long standing inequalities and socio-economic challenges.
You can check out any current graduate opportunities on the Search Jobs Tab on this site, or for future vacancies submit an Expression of Interest Form via the Talent Network section of the vacancies page.
Search for graduate roles at the Combined Authority of the Liverpool City Region which includes six local councils - Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral https://www.liverpoolcityregionjobs.co.uk/
The LCR Graduate Network supports employees from across the Liverpool City Region. Meeting regularly to generate work opportunities, pass on advice and share challenges, develop skills and receive interesting talks, and of course meet people who are new to the City Region and at a similar stage of their careers!
Applying For Work Experience
Work experience is a fantastic way to get insight into a chosen career and provides real-life experience and understanding of how you could make a difference. It can be useful for anyone of any age and any stage and can help 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
out of work and looking to get back into work
If you would like to speak to us about a placement you can email us at WorkExperience@sthelens.gov.uk or if you would like to go ahead apply for a work experience placement with us please click on the link below.
Please give at least 2 months notice when applying.