Government

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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a college course before applying directly for this role.

Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration
• Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship will depend on your duties but examples include:

• intermediate or advance apprenticeship in business or administration
• public service operational delivery officer advanced apprenticeship

These usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 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
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could start in local government as an administrative assistant and work your way up to more senior positions through training 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 at least 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.

Knowledge of common office software packages and experience in working in customer service are also valued by employers, and could help your career prospects.

Other routes

You may be able to join a local authority's National Graduate Development Programme if you've got a first class or upper second class degree. Most subjects are acceptable.

More information

Career tips

You may be able to get into this job through an internship.

Further information

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

With experience, you could progress into management.

You could also move into other public sector areas like the NHS or the voluntary sector.

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