What is it?

Local government is one of the UK's largest and most diverse employers, with more than two million staff at 468 local councils and 11,000 town, parish and community councils nationwide. In addition to the 21,000 elected local councillors, there are more than 600 occupations and several thousand job titles available across local government. The annual budget for local councils is in excess of £70 billion.

What jobs are on offer?

The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) for local government is a two-year training scheme, designed to fast-track university-leavers towards senior management positions with local authorities. The scheme offers about 80 places each year and includes a series of placements, leadership training and mentoring.

Where are the jobs?

Graduates could be based at any of the local authorities in England or Wales during the NGDP and recruits are expected to be flexible about where they work.

What's the pay?

Graduates joining the NGDP in 2009 can expect starting salaries of £22,100 (£25,300 in London), a generous holiday entitlement and a healthy work-life balance.

What's the competition?

Public sector organisations typically receive between 15 and 40 applications per graduate vacancy; however, with fewer opportunities in the private sector this year, competition may be much tougher.

How is it rated?

The local government NGDP scheme has been listed in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers for the past six years. Its highest ranking to date was 33rd place in 2005.

How do I apply?

The deadline for applying to this year's local government NGDP is January 12. The selection process includes an online application, telephone interview, regional information session, assessment centre and a final-round local authority interview. Full details at www.ngdp.co.uk

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with more than 15,000 final-year university students. www.top100graduateemployers.com

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