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
Minimum 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) and a degree or equivalent qualification. Experience in a relevant field such as Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI, etc. is desirable. You will bring to this role:
- 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.
- Ability to develop constructive working relationships and collaborate with others.
- Effective organisational and time‑management skills.
- A positive attitude and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
About the Role
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. The role offers a great foundation for a rewarding career in tech with opportunities for development, mentorship, and training, and the chance to share knowledge with peers and junior team members.
This programme aims to foster the next generation of digital leaders who will drive innovation, efficiency, and enhanced public services through digital transformation.
Hybrid working is available, but successful candidates are 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.
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 while building essential skills and knowledge.
- 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.
- Attend 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 support to apprentices and oversee task allocation as required.
- Additional duties as required within the spirit of the post and the job evaluation outcome.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) – English and Maths or equivalent.
- Recent graduate with a degree or equivalent; experience in a relevant field such as Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI, etc. is desirable.
Essential Requirements
- Effective communication with a wide range of people using various formats.
- Teamworking, organisational and time‑management skills, prioritising work to meet conflicting deadlines.
- Initiative to develop solutions to day‑to‑day issues and problems.
- Ability to develop constructive working relationships and partnership with others.
- Customer‑focused service delivery.
- Accurate data and information entry and retrieval from digital and manual systems with attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Understanding of how to transform ways of working to achieve results in a public sector environment.
- Work with stakeholders to achieve benefits of change while meeting budgetary constraints.
- Learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment, using coaching and mentoring to support others through rapid change.
- Understanding of financial and council‑wide impact in decision‑making processes.
- Basic understanding of IT systems, networks, and software applications (Microsoft technologies desirable).
- Awareness of financial pressures local government faces and ability to flex to support council priorities.
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
- Understand and embody Leeds City Council values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement, supporting the City’s ambition for Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
- Understand council policies and procedures.
- Adhere to health, safety and wellbeing responsibilities.
- Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to keep knowledge up to date.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to support other services as required.
- Promote equality and diversity, supporting difference and ensuring an anti‑discriminatory workplace.
- Recognise and report incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation and abuse.
- Work within the council’s flexibility protocol.
Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge of Microsoft 365.
What We Offer You
- 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.
- Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
- Range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial well‑being.
How to Apply
Upload your CV and 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, email IDSTMP@leeds.gov.uk.
Equality and Diversity
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures, including women, carers, veterans, LGBT+ individuals, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. 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 holding another relevant visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, consider sponsorship eligibility and the Skilled Worker visa route. Eligibility requires a standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meeting other criteria.
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