Design & planning

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You may need to do a degree or a job-specific qualification, depending on the department you want to work in.

Subjects include:

• town planning
• urban design
• historic building conservation
• housing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course in a subject like business and administration before applying directly for this role.

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship will depend on your duties.

Examples include:

• Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These usually take between a year and a year and a half to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start in local government as an administrative assistant, providing support to council departments.

You could then work your way up to more senior positions through training and promotion on the job. Experience in office work would be useful.

Direct application

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got the right skills and experience. Some local authorities may ask for a minimum of 4 GCSEs, A levels, or equivalent qualifications, depending on the vacancy.

For certain jobs, you may need a degree or specific professional qualification in an area like town planning or public policy.

Experience of working in customer service and using common computer packages like Word and Excel, are also valued by employers, and could help your career prospects.

Other routes

You may be able to join a local authority's Local Government Graduate Programme if you've got a second class degree or higher. Most subjects are acceptable.

You could also get into this job through an internship.

More information

Further information

You'll find details about careers in local government through the Local Government Association.

With experience, you could:move to different local authority departments; progress into management; work for other public sector organisations, like the NHS; work in areas like the voluntary sector

You'll find more details about working in local government through the Local Government Association.