Horizons Trainee Placements 2026

Overview

Following the success of our last three cohorts, we are excited to open applications for a fourth cohort of roles on the Horizons programme! For details on which placements you can apply for, view our placement information document here. 

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.  

About the role

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 team 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.  
• 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 to carefully read the job description of the roles you apply for.  Job descriptions can be downloaded via the Placement Information form. 

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.  Any delays in providing this information may mean a delay in your start date. 

Other information

Please note that we will be unable to accept late applications.

We will contact all candidates to confirm if you have been successful by 29th July via email. Please check your emails regularly to see if you have been invited to interview.

Please note that while we will do our best to match you to your preferred placements, some may receive high levels of interest. To help progress your application, we may therefore match you with a similar alternative placement.

Interviews will take place between 3rd August – 12th August 2026.

Job offers will be made by 14th August 2026.

Start dates will be the week commencing 28th September 2026.

All roles will be paid at National Minimum/Living Wage. All roles are part-time and conclude on 31st March 2027. You will not be guaranteed a job following your placement, but we will work with you to identify suitable opportunities.

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

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Our values and culture

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/