Modelled on the CIPFA joint scheme in Nottinghamshire, the programme has been developed together with the Greater Manchester Association of Metropolitan Treasurers (GMAMT). It will be led by Bury Council and will see five graduate trainee finance managers rotate roles across five authorities.
The participating authorities will work co-operatively to share the cost of training and provide on-the-job learning. It is hoped that the broader range of experience the trainees will be exposed to will boost their employability and give them a wide range of skills sets.
CIPFA president Mike Owen said: ‘One of the biggest challenges facing the public sector is ensuring that, despite austerity, we continue to train the next generation of leaders to an excellent standard.
‘Despite economic pressures, CIPFA and GMAMT’s innovative scheme means employers can continue to recruit the UK’s top graduates to enter public financial management, ensuring that communities can continue to benefit from excellent candidates.’
Owen added that the scheme had proved to be incredibly popular, with over 200 graduates applying for the five places.
‘I am particularly grateful to Stephen Kenyon from Bury who has brought the scheme to life and to colleagues from around Greater Manchester who have shown great support.’
