All about Public Sector Services and Government Jobs

A wide variety of jobs are available within the public services. From front-line work directly with the public, to equally important jobs behind the scenes: public sector jobs can be highly rewarding, allowing you to contribute directly to social welfare. Jobs are available with both local government and national, and in services like the NHS or Fire Service. Some public sector jobs are contracted out to the private sector, but are still essentially public service jobs.

With such a wide range of jobs available, there are many different routes into public sector work. The civil service operates a on a system of standardised job grades, which operate across it. Each has their own entry requirements. High-flying graduates can apply for top jobs in the competitive ‘fast stream’, while others can work their way up. Local government jobs are similar, with job grades standardised across local authorities, making it easy to transfer between them. Professional services within the public sector (such as the NHS) require specific training and have their own entry requirements. Entry requirements for management and administration roles in these services vary depending on the job. For graduates, there are some training schemes available.