The closing date to apply for a 'fantastic' graduate opportunity in east Suffolk is approaching.

The Future Leaders Graduate Programme is a two-year placement, paying £20,000 per year to the successful candidates and aims to develop the next generation of public sector leaders.

Bringing together eight organisations including local Suffolk councils and the police, this county-wide scheme is aimed at top-class graduates and the east Suffolk councils of Suffolk Coastal and Waveney are looking forward to welcoming some outstanding candidates.

Over the two-year programme, graduates will gain a deep understanding of how the public sector thinks and works via four placements. These placements will give an opportunity to work in areas such as Policy, Digital design, Housing, Corporate Strategy, HR or Adult and Children's Services. The programme will lead to an ILM level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management and it will provide a range of work based skills such as project management, business acumen and commercial awareness.

Stephen Baker, chief executive of Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils, said: 'These placements are a fantastic opportunity for ambitious graduates to develop the skills they will need to build a successful senior career in the public sector. There are huge opportunities here, not least in East Suffolk where the proposed creation of a new super district council places us at the forefront of local government innovation. This is a great place to live, work and have fun and I would like to wish all candidates the very best with their application.'

The closing date for applications is 1pm on May 14, and for more details visit the Suffolk Jobs Direct website.

Interviews will take place on June 30.