Job Title: Graduate Trainee – Digital (AI & Automation)
Salary: C1 £28,598 - £31,022
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term
Location: Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8BB
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and highly motivated candidate to join our Graduate Programme at Leeds City Council. This role will assist with the development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of digital systems and services.
As a Graduate Trainee – Digital (AI & Automation), you will gain practical experience and training in various aspects of IT support and development, contributing to the efficient operation of the organisation’s digital infrastructure.
This opportunity is part of our IT Talent Management Programme offering new routes into digital careers at the council.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Graduate Trainee - Digital, you will hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) and a degree or equivalent qualification. Experience in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI etc.) is desirable. You will bring to this role:
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Excellent people and communication skills.
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of IT and data systems with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- An ability to develop constructive working relationships and work in partnership with others.
- Effective organisational and time management skills.
- A positive attitude and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
About the role
As a Graduate Trainee – Digital (AI & Automation) you will receive firsthand digital experience in a real-world setting within the local government sector.
You’ll work with our AI/Low-Code colleagues within the council’s Integrated Digital Services team, our in-house digital experts who support staff IT needs and deliver online services for residents. With a wide range of specialist functions and a strong focus on innovation, this role offers a great foundation for a rewarding career in tech.
Engaging in various projects to develop essential technical skills, you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the corporate digital agenda. The role will include development, mentorship and training opportunities including the opportunity to share the knowledge and skills you develop with peers and train junior team members as your abilities develop. This role will have a significant impact on local government operations and public services. Alongside on-the-job learning you will be encouraged to work towards industry standard certifications.
This programme aims to foster the next generation of digital leaders who will drive innovation, efficiency, and enhanced public services through digital transformation.
Please note: Hybrid working is available but successful candidates will be expected to spend at least three days per week in the Leeds office for the first six months of the contract. Working patterns and locations will then be agreed locally with line managers.
Should we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the application window earlier than advertised.
You will be contacted if you have been selected for the next stage of recruitment in August 2026.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience with benefits including:
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A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
- A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
- A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please email
[email protected].
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose –Engage in various projects to develop essential technical skills, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the corporate digital agenda. This role will help drive improvements in public service delivery, ensuring Leeds City Council meets the needs of the wider community effectively and efficiently.
Programme Structure - the graduate programme is designed to provide comprehensive training and practical experience over a two-year fixed period. Candidates will work in targeted areas and on key projects, gaining exposure to different aspects of digital change within local government. Key components of the programme include:
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Candidates will work in the key teams related to their selected specialism such as data analysis, cyber security, and software development/testing.
- Each candidate will be paired with a senior mentor who will provide guidance, support, and career development advice.
- Development & Assessment: Comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and seminars will be provided to enhance technical skills and industry knowledge.
- Graduates may have the opportunity to contribute to key digital projects that will have a significant impact on local government operations and public services.
Responsibilities
- Work flexibly to support Leeds City Council services by contributing to projects, transforming ways of working, and assisting in the development of digital policies.
- Work closely with IT professionals to gain practical experience and real-world insights whilst building the essential skills and knowledge required to foster the next generation of digital leaders.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and implement digital solutions that improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Analyse corporate data to inform decision-making and policy development from a range of sources.
- Assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of digital platforms and tools.
- Support cyber security initiatives to protect digital infrastructure and sensitive information.
- Engage in effective requirements gathering to ensure digital solutions meet user needs.
- Monitor project management and report on the progress of digital schemes.
- Contribute: To the development of digital strategies and frameworks.
- Keep up to date with the latest digital trends and technologies to improve digital services.
- Attendance at team meetings and contribute to project planning and execution.
- Participate in mentorship and learning opportunities including training/networking activities and leadership/management skills growth.
- Provide coaching and/or support to apprentices and oversee/allocate tasks as required.
- The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Qualifications
- GSCE: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) - English and Maths or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Degree: Recent graduate with a degree or equivalent - experience in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI etc.) is desirable.
Essential Requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.
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Able to communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide range of people including internal and external partners using a variety of formats.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team and to demonstrate organisational and time management skills prioritising own and team’s work to meet conflicting deadlines.
- Able to use initiative to develop solutions to day-to-day issues and problems.
- Able to develop constructive working relationships and work in partnership with others.
- Able to provide customer focussed service.
- Able to accurately enter and retrieve data and information from digital and manual systems with attention to detail when creating documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Able to develop solutions in a public sector environment demonstrating an understanding of how transforming ways of working can achieve results.
- Able to work with stakeholders to achieve the benefits of change by meeting customer/ stakeholder expectations within Leeds City Council budgetary constraints.
- Able to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment and using coaching/mentoring opportunities to support others through rapid change.
- Understand financial and council wide impact in decision-making processes.
- Basic understanding of IT systems, networks, and software applications (Microsoft technologies desirable).
- Understand financial pressures local government faces and able to flex to support council priorities.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
- Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training, and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements - candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
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Knowledge of Microsoft 365.
