Horizons Trainee Placements 2025

Overview

Following the success of our first two cohorts, we are excited to open applications for a third cohort of roles on the Horizons programme! For details on which placements you can apply for and to download the full job descriptions, view our placement information document here.

About the programme

The Horizons Programme is a six-month paid placement that offers a gradual introduction to the workplace. Across these six months, you will be supported to learn the skills of the job, whilst also working with our Horizons team to identify longer-term opportunities to apply for once your placement is over.  

As a Horizons trainee, you will be invited to networking sessions, tailored training opportunities and interactive workshops to support you in your placement. You will also be offered wraparound support in the form of 1:1s with our Talent and Careers Consultant and opportunities to shadow in other areas of the Council. 

About you

The Horizons programme is aimed at anyone looking to get into work or return to the workplace after a career break. We are looking for candidates who match our values – proud, ambitious, collaborative and trustworthy. 

To be eligible for the programme you must: 

• be referred by one of our agreed referring partner organisations 
• not currently be in work of 16 hours/week or more (some exemptions may apply). 
• live in Buckinghamshire (or the immediate surrounding area).   
• have a basic level of IT literacy, numeracy, verbal and written communication skills.  
• demonstrate basic transferable skills linked to employment, e.g. time management, teamwork, problem-solving. 
• be able to work independently on tasks following a period of support.  
• be motivated and have a positive attitude towards employment. 

Some roles may also have some additional criteria, such as needing a driving license or an understanding of Excel – so make sure you carefully read the job description for each of the roles you apply for. 

Some roles are covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants must declare all unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions. 

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro 

Where roles require a DBS, you will be asked to provide information to allow the service to complete this before you can start in the role. 

Other information

Please ensure you submit your application before the closing date, as we will not be able to accept late applications.

We will contact all candidates to confirm if you have been successful on 5th and 6th August via email. Please check your emails, including spam/junk folders, on these dates to see if you have been invited to interview. You will need to follow the instructions to confirm your interview slot.

Interviews will take place between 8th – 15th August 2025.

Job offers will be made between 20th - 22nd August 2025.

Start dates will be across September 2025.

All roles will be paid at National Minimum/Living Wage based on your age. All roles will be part-time and conclude on 31st March 2026. You will not be guaranteed a job following your placement, but we will work with you to identify suitable opportunities to apply to.

We aim to offer feedback to all candidates, outlining the reason for our decision. Due to expected high volumes of applicants, we aim to respond to all unsuccessful candidates with feedback within 3 weeks of the application closing date.

We unfortunately cannot consider applications from candidates who have been part of our previous Horizons cohorts.

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/