Job Introduction
Graduate Management Trainee on Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme (Cohort 28) - Local Recruitment for West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
This is an opportunity for local candidates (or those with a local connection) to apply to become a Graduate Management Trainee as part of Cohort 28 of Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme on a fixed-term contract until Autumn 2028 for West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA).
Local applications will progress in the same timeframe as Impact’s national recruitment process, and local candidates will be assessed alongside national candidates – with the exception of the final interview stage. By applying as a local candidate, you will be guaranteed an interview with us around April 2026 if you reach the final stage of the recruitment process. Please be aware that local candidates will interview only with their local authority, and interviews are usually held earlier than for those applying nationally.
About us
Here at the West of England Combined Mayoral Authority, we are a politically led organisation working to deliver on the mayor’s priorities for the region. These include our recently published Growth Plan, which focuses on creating more affordable and sustainable homes, improving transport and digital connectivity, tackling inequalities across communities, and driving forward a net zero future. Our biggest issues are securing enough affordable and sustainable housing, improving transport and digital connectivity, and ensuring that economic growth benefits all communities fairly, and we are looking for four candidates from (or with a close connection to) the local area to help influence on tackling these issues.
Why work for us, here’s a little more about our key areas of work:
Economic Growth & Business Support
Lead efforts to grow priority sectors, attract investment, and strengthen regional trade and innovation.
Transport & Connectivity
Deliver integrated transport solutions that improve accessibility, sustainability, and align with housing and climate goals.
Housing & Sustainable Communities
Accelerate delivery of affordable, low-carbon homes through strategic partnerships and nature-led planning.
Skills & Employment
Shape future-focused skills strategies and support inclusive pathways from education to employment.
Green Growth & Climate Resilience
Drive clean energy innovation and embed climate resilience into regional development plans.
Tackling Poverty & Inclusion
Implement targeted strategies to reduce poverty and promote inclusive access to essential services.
Place-Based Development
Coordinate regeneration and growth across key zones to ensure inclusive and impactful development.
Investment Strategy & Delivery
Design and deliver investment strategies with partners, ensuring measurable impact across programmes.
We'd love to hear from you, but don't apply here!
To find out more about this exciting opportunity and/or apply please visit; Graduate Management Trainee on Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme (Cohort 28) - Local Recruitment for West of England Mayoral Combined Authority - Local Government Association
About the Company
Our Offer
Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
- 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
- Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.
Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.