Opportunities aplenty
Alongside all the permanent and temporary roles you’d expect, we have a range of opportunities for you to work with us. We call these entry routes.
We’re passionate about better lives for the people of Essex. And for us, that means employing a diverse workforce, drawing on the different values and experiences that not only reflect the communities that we serve, but make us a better performing organisation.
Whether you are just starting to think about your career options, searching for your first job, want to gain professional qualifications, you’re looking for a change of career or to return to work following a break, our entry-to-work routes aim to support everyone.
However you join us, we’ll tailor to the process, ensuring we support you in a way that works for you. And it doesn’t stop there…once you become part of the team, we’ll work hard to ensure the right opportunities are available so you develop and grow, and take ownership of your future with us.
Find out more about Our Organisational Strategy
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Guaranteed Interview Schemes
We are a Disability Confident employer, committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the requirements of the role for which they are applying.
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Kick Start Programme
These six-month placements are for 16-24-year-olds receiving universal credit. You’ll work 25 hours a week with us, earn the national minimum wage and benefit from excellent training, support and networks to help you settle in. We’ll also work with you to get you job-ready before you start.
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Apprenticeships
We offer a range of apprenticeship opportunities from Level 2 to 7, covering Accounting, Business Administration, Customer Service, Education, HR, Leadership, Marketing and Payroll, to name just a few. Apprenticeships are a great way to start your career or to change your career and learn something new. Earning and learning at the same time, it doesn’t get better than this.
For more information on apprenticeships visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
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Inclusive Apprenticeships
As well as standard apprenticeship programmes, we also offer inclusive apprenticeships, for Level 1 and 2 programmes. If you have had an Education Health Care Plan, LDA statement or previous statement of need, this could be for you. The length of the programme can be flexible to meet your particular needs and the Institute of Apprenticeships ensures end-point assessments are reasonably adjusted as required.
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Work Experience
If you’re a year 10 or 11 student, these 1-to-2 week unpaid opportunities are a great first step into the world of work. You’ll spend the time with us in the middle of your school summer term – usually June – joining a real team, doing real work and learning all about what the Council does. (You’ll be surprised, we promise you!)
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Neuro-diverse Internships
At Essex County Council, we’re very aware of the unique contribution young people with autism can make to our organisation. If you’re aged 18 to 24, one of these 8-week paid internships could be a great opportunity. We’ll support you before you join, give your manager training from Genius Within, and provide 16 weeks’ support from Ambitious About Autism after the programme ends.
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Graduates
We offer a variety of graduate schemes from Finance to Procurement. Two to three years in length, these programmes offer great experience, the chance to work with hugely experienced colleagues and high-calibre training.
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Return to Work Programmes
If you’re looking to return to the world of work, after a career break, these programmes can be spot on. The first stage will last 14 weeks and be paid at the rate for job (RFJ). Once you progress into a qualified role, your pay will increase. You can also look forward to a retention bonus after six months. Throughout, we’ll provide excellent training, support and coaching to make your move the most enjoyable and productive possible.
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Traineeships
Our traineeships are skills development programmes that includes a work placement. Traineeships can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most last for less than 6 months. They are designed to help 16 – 24-year-olds, or 25-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, to get ready for an apprenticeship or first job.
Recent award nominations
