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
About the role
Leeds City Council invites applications for a dynamic, innovative Graduate Trainee – Digital (AI & Automation). You will support the development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of digital systems and services, gaining hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technologies and contributing to the council’s digital agenda.
About You
Minimum requirements:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (A*‑C) in English and Maths or equivalent knowledge.
- Recent graduate with a degree or equivalent, preferably in Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber, AI or a related field.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organisational and time‑management skills.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- Positive attitude and commitment to customer service.
Responsibilities
- Support Leeds City Council services by contributing to projects, transforming ways of working, and assisting in the development of digital policies.
- Collaborate with IT professionals to gain practical experience and build essential digital skills.
- Work closely 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.
- 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 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 support project planning and execution.
- Participate in mentorship and learning opportunities, including training and leadership development.
- Provide coaching or support to apprentices and oversee tasks where required.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (A*‑C) in English and Maths.
- Recent graduate with a relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
- Desirable: experience in a relevant field such as Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cyber or AI.
Essential Requirements
- Effective communication with internal and external partners using a variety of formats.
- Strong teamwork, organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
- Initiative to develop solutions to day‑to‑day issues and problems.
- Ability to build constructive working relationships and collaborate with others.
- Customer‑focused service delivery.
- Accurate data entry and retrieval with attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Understanding of how to deliver public sector change within budgetary constraints.
- Adaptability, learning in a fast‑paced environment, and the ability to mentor others.
- Understanding of financial and council‑wide impacts in decision‑making processes.
- Basic knowledge of IT systems, networks and software applications; Microsoft technologies desirable.
- Awareness of financial pressures facing local government and flexibility to support priorities.
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement and to delivering the council’s ambitions in health & wellbeing, inclusive growth and zero carbon.
- Adhere to policies, procedures and health & safety responsibilities.
- Actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change, supporting other services as required.
- Promote equality, diversity and non‑discrimination and uphold the council’s equality & diversity policy.
- Report incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation or abuse appropriately.
- 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 where service requirements allow.
- Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
- Range of staff benefits supporting wellbeing and financial wellbeing.
How To Apply
Upload your CV and a personal statement of no more than 500 words. For further guidance, please visit our application support page. If you have any queries, you may contact the Graduate Programme team at IDSTMP@leeds.gov.uk.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures, including but not limited to women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; if not, please consider your eligibility for sponsorship before applying.
Leeds City Council is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
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