Archive Website of the UK government

Is a job in government for you?

Both central government and local councils offer a great range of interesting roles with good working conditions, valuable training opportunities and great career prospects. Working in government could be for you.

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within government:

Una Robert, Trading Standards Officer

"My job in the local council gives me a tremendous sense of satisfaction. It pays well and every day brings a new and different challenge."

Des Crane, Housing Advice Officer

"I work for the council, supporting tenants with learning difficulties. It’s well paid and really rewarding!"

Government: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs. But it’s always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts:

• "You have to have a degree to work for government" - not true, there are opportunities for graduates and non-graduates in both central and local government
• "All central government jobs are in London" - in fact 80 per cent of central government staff work outside London - some are even based abroad
• "You have to work in an office environment" - some occupations involve working outdoors, for example on environmental jobs or working in schools

Advantages of working in government

There are many advantages to working in government including:

• excellent opportunities - there are opportunities for people with all levels of education to work in central and local government, you don’t have to have a degree
• career prospects - government jobs offer valuable training opportunities
  

Real-life examples

Ian Soames, Librarian

"I work for my local council, running the village library. I started out with just a couple of GCSEs but I now have an NVQ Level 3. I love getting to know the locals and I especially enjoy running special workshops for kids. The pay is good at around £23,000."

Ella Yemani, Support Manager

"I work for the Youth Justice Board. When I left school I started working with young offenders. I loved it but wanted to go further. This means I’m responsible for running several staff teams. I need to be a good communicator and very well organised. I earn £30,000."

Careers advice and job profiles

You can find more information about specific job roles within government by using the careers advice and job profiles link below:

• Careers advice and job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in government by visiting the websites below:

• Civil Service Careers Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. You can also talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job

• Contact Jobcentre Plus