The work of graduates on Kent County Council's Graduate Programme has a meaningful impact on the lives of Kent's residents.
Kent is home to over a million people and graduates are taking the chance to make dedicated improvements to the lives of its citizens. The Kent County Council Graduate Programme offers well-meaning graduates the choice to begin fulfilling roles in the public sector.
Christopher Monteiro-Sharratt, an English Language graduate from the University of Kent, Canterbury, says his work with Kent County Council gives him the ability to have an impact.
"I wanted to be able to pursue a career that would be dedicated to making a difference in people's lives," he says. "[Working] within the council, accessing the numerous opportunities that the graduate programme provides, is a career which affords me the chance to do exactly that."
Lucy Campbell, a History graduate from the University of Cambridge, says she has been able to improve services for young people in the county.
"I have been supporting the creation of project plans for rationalising Early Help and Preventative Services buildings and commissioned services," she says. "I have had the opportunity to work with senior managers, develop policy documents and collaborate across directorates."
The scheme also allows graduates to take responsibility and show leadership. Lucy says she works with Apprentices at the Council.
"I have been working with Digital Services to develop a young person's channel on the Kent County Council website," she says. "As part of this work I have been training and monitoring the process of the Business Support apprentices who are responsible for inputting data."
Lucy says the Management Scheme is a great chance for graduates to start their careers with the support on offer.
"The management stream offers great opportunities for personal development. The council is fully behind this programme, which is in its 17th year, and developing future leaders. This means you are able to tailor your two years to your interests and strengths."