A PROGRAMME offers graduates a chance to embark on the path to a career.

Shropshire Council has launched its new graduate programme offering university graduates an exciting opportunity to launch their careers.

the council wants to recruit, develop and retain talent for the future to ensure it can continue to deliver services of the highest standard to the county’s residents.

Cllr Steve Charmley, cabinet member with responsibility for the programme, said: “We’re very excited to be relaunching our graduate programme. As a council, we are proactively working to attract new people to live, learn and work in Shropshire, and equally, providing opportunities for our current residents.

“The graduate programme will offer successful applicants a fantastic opportunity to work in a fast-paced, forward thinking Council and to contribute to some important projects during a challenging yet exciting time at Shropshire Council.”

The previous graduate scheme ended in 2015.

The Shropshire Council Graduate Programme has a particular focus on the digital transformation programme and will offer the chance to develop skills and gain experience in project management.

Kate MacDonald, graduate programme manager, said: “I gained a place on Shropshire Graduate Programme in 2011 and was part of the second cohort. The graduate programme provided me with some fantastic opportunities and I was able to develop myself professionally, learn new skills and participate in some fantastic projects.

“The most rewarding part of the scheme was being part of projects which made a difference to communities and residents in Shropshire. Since the finishing the graduate programme, I have worked as a voluntary sector development officer and progressed into an insight officer role in 2015. I have recently been successful in gaining the role of graduate/apprenticeship manager and I am extremely passionate in inspiring and developing new talent for the future.

“I would encourage anyone eligible for the new programme to apply and take up the challenge as it is definitely a fantastic opportunity.”

Applicants can apply for the Shropshire Council Graduate Programme, visit www.shropshirejobs.engageats.co.uk

The closing date for applicants is Monday, July 16

f you have any questions about the programme, email shropshiregraduates@shropshire.gov.uk.