Graduate Training

Education and Training Graduate – Somerset Council

Education and Training Graduate – UK Based Applicants Only

Employer: Somerset Council
Location: Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Salary: £28,595 – £32,597 per annum
Contract: Fixed-term Graduate Scheme – 2 years
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 16 September 2026
Reference: 1328/AB
Job Type: Graduate / Fixed Term
DBS Check: Required
Working Pattern: Hybrid working available

Important: Visa Sponsorship

Somerset Council has confirmed that sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

If you require a Skilled Worker visa or Certificate of Sponsorship for this role, this vacancy is not suitable.

About the Education and Training Graduate Role

Somerset Council is recruiting an Education and Training Graduate for its two-year Graduate Scheme in Taunton.

This is an opportunity for a recent graduate to gain practical experience across music education, data analysis, research, communications, evaluation and creative industries.

Working with Octagon Music Hub, the successful candidate will help measure and showcase the impact of music education across Somerset and Dorset.

The role combines data and research with communications and programme development. You will help transform information and data into meaningful insights that can support future decisions and improve programmes.

One day each week, you will also support the Somerset & Dorset Post-16 Creative Careers programme, helping develop pathways into creative employment.

This will involve research, employer engagement, work experience opportunities and projects designed to encourage young people to explore careers in music and the wider creative sector.

The graduate scheme is designed to provide valuable experience in:

• Research
• Evaluation
• Data analysis
• Communications
• Partnership working
• Project delivery
• Programme development
• Public-sector services

Salary and Contract

Starting salary: £28,595 per annum

The salary will increase through set increments as part of the Graduate Scheme, reaching a final salary of:

£32,597 per annum

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years

Working hours: 37 hours per week

Key Responsibilities

As an Education and Training Graduate, you will:

• Gain hands-on experience across different teams and council services.
• Support improvements to services, systems and processes.
• Assist with research, analysis and administration.
• Maintain important project documentation.
• Support project delivery and programme development.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Work with members of the public and external organisations.
• Manage your own workload and priorities.
• Meet deadlines while working independently and collaboratively.
• Use technical and IT skills to support colleagues.
• Help develop effective solutions to workplace challenges.
• Participate in training, continuing professional development and networking.
• Provide flexible support across projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to successful outcomes for Somerset communities.

Education and Experience Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A degree at 2:2 level or above.
• The degree must have been obtained within the last three years.
• GCSE English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret data effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience creating digital content.
• Experience using data to measure impact and support decision-making.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• A commitment to equality and diversity.

What You Will Gain

This graduate opportunity provides practical experience that can help you build a career in the:

• Cultural sector
• Education sector
• Public sector
• Creative industries
• Research and evaluation
• Data and analytics
• Communications
• Programme and project management

You will receive a Professional Development Plan throughout the two-year scheme, including cohort training sessions focused on skills development and reflective practice.

Employee Benefits

Successful candidates can benefit from:

• 28 days annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible working arrangements where service requirements allow.
• Hybrid working opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• Confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities.
• Professional development and training.
• Cohort-based graduate training and networking opportunities.

Working Arrangements

The role is based in Taunton, Somerset, with flexible working available through a hybrid model involving work from home and the contracted work base.

Flexible working arrangements are subject to service requirements.

DBS Requirement

The position is subject to a DBS check.

Applicants should take this requirement into consideration when applying.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for recent graduates interested in developing careers in:

• Education
• Music
• Creative industries
• Data analysis
• Research
• Communications
• Cultural services
• Local government
• Project management
• Programme development

The role is particularly suited to candidates who enjoy combining data, creativity, research and communication.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

No Visa Sponsorship Available

Please read this section carefully before applying.

Somerset Council states that it is unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The employer can only proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

Therefore, applicants who need a new Certificate of Sponsorship or Skilled Worker visa for this position should not apply.

Application Deadline

Closing date: 16 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit their application before the closing date.

Official Job Description

The employer has provided a copy of the general graduate job description for applicants to review.

Job Description:
AG1122 General Graduate.pdf

Informal Enquiries

For an informal discussion about the position, applicants can contact:

Annette Burghes
Octagon Music Manager
Email: annette.burghes@somerset.gov.uk
Telephone: 01823 359945

About Somerset Council

Somerset Council is a local authority serving communities across Somerset.

The council describes itself as a progressive organisation focused on improving lives and developing better services for local communities.

The position provides an opportunity to gain public-sector experience while working within Somerset’s education, music and creative industries programmes.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official Somerset Council careers website.

Apply for Education and Training Graduate

Official Vacancy:
https://careers.somerset.gov.uk/job/Taunton-Education-and-Training-Graduate-TA1-4DY/1366304655/

Closing Date: 16 September 2026

Before applying, candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, qualification requirements and the no visa sponsorship condition.

Important Applicant Notice

This vacancy information has been arranged from the employer’s published job advertisement for easier reading.

Applicants should always verify the latest vacancy details directly with Somerset Council before submitting an application.

Sponsorship warning: This employer has explicitly stated that visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Summary