Greater Manchester is the fastest-growing UK economy, with 3.1% annual growth driven by devolution and partnership, the vision for the next decade in our GMS is a thriving city region where everyone benefits from growth, tackling inequalities, revitalising towns, building homes, and creating jobs.

The 'good growth’ plan represents a new economic model. By getting every part of our city region growing, it will make sure everyone can contribute to and benefit from continued growth and no one and no place is left behind.

The economic potential is huge. If we maintain our current trajectory, by 2035, our economy will be 36% bigger than it is today, adding a further £38 billion to the UK economy.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is a statutory body consisting of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester and a directly elected Mayor. It has wide-ranging economic development, regeneration and transport functions and an ambitious agenda to make Greater Manchester a better place in which to grow up, live, work and invest.

Our Place Graduate Programme provides a unique development opportunity for individuals wishing to pursue a career with a dynamic, exciting and socially responsible employer. An appointment is being sought by each of the ten Local Authorities across Greater Manchester and Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM).

Who are we looking for

Our wide range of services and the speed of change in local government mean that we need high calibre individuals who will thrive in a challenging and fast-paced environment. The programme wants applications from individuals who can work effectively in complex and diverse situations, work in partnership with people at all levels from a variety of disciplines, aspire to become future managers, are prepared to challenge the status quo, to bring about change, are prepared to learn and share knowledge and experiences, have resilience and show dedication to our aim of making Greater Manchester a great place to live, work and visit.

We are looking to develop future leaders, so we want individuals who are adaptable, resourceful and passionate about making a difference to Greater Manchester’s communities.

What to expect

Over the course of your two-year placement, you’ll undertake a nationally recognised qualification relevant to the role you are undertaking, in addition you will be supported to take part in a range of Learning and Development opportunities which will contribute to meeting the needs of the authority, our local community and the region.

The following article in Built England invites Benjamin Hobbs to share his experiences of working as Graduate Regenerate Officer at Salford City Council:

How to apply

We are recruiting to numerous trainee posts across Greater Manchester. To go through to the individual councils’ applications, and learn about them as employers, use the links below.