What is the internship programme?

Our successful internship placements are specifically designed for UK undergraduates (when applying) who are seeking to gain and develop employability skills, to ease the transition from study to work, increase skills and knowledge and to provide excellent networking and learning and development opportunities. Don’t just take our word for it, meet our past interns and read about their experiences by visiting our internship page

Our internship programme:

At West Suffolk Council our aim is to lead as an Employer of Choice, offering opportunities to those currently at university who are ambitious, hard-working, dedicated and who want to make a difference to our area and its communities.

We offer 12-week summer placements across a diverse range of key service areas. We aim to provide an insight into the way our Council is run and the challenges we face and how these are managed on a day-to-day basis. If successful, you will work within a specific placement area where you will quickly become one of the team. You and the other interns will work as a team on a group project for the Council. However, it isn’t all about work, there are lots of opportunities for personal growth by volunteering and getting involved in the many activities that take place across our district over this three-month period.

Placements on offer for 2026:

All our placements start on Monday 8 June 2026. They are perfect opportunities to invest in your future, gain vital work experience, earn some money and unleash and showcase your potential to use in future job interviews! Our placements this year are:

Barley Homes (Housing Development)
Energy and Sustainability
Families and Communities
Housing Solutions
Private Sector Housing and Environmental Health
Planning Development
Strategic Property

What we offer:

You will be paid the National Living Wage, work a 37-hour week, be eligible to annual leave as and when accrued over the period you are employed, plus enjoy our employee benefits package with discounts on gym membership, cinema, shopping, travel and a whole lot more during your time with us.

We positively encourage agile working, with work being an activity we do, not a place we go. Work styles are led by operational and organisational need and are jointly agreed between the manager and employee. Therefore, whilst there will be opportunities to work from home or an alternative base occasionally, for you to get the most from these placements there is a requirement to attend our offices in Bury St Edmunds or Mildenhall on a regular basis.

It is important that you are available throughout the first two weeks of the placement to undertake the induction period, as there are specific training sessions/courses/workshops to attend to support you during your time with us.

Recruitment Process:

If you have a preference on a specific placement, please indicate this at the top of the additional information section and tell us your reasons why and what you can bring to the team. If you don’t have a preference and you are interested in more than one, please state this and ensure you cover your range of skills, experience and interests.

Shortlisting of application forms will take place after the closing date (Sunday 01 February) and successful candidates will be invited to the assessment day (Monday 30 March). The day will consist of a group exercise and individual interviews. You need to be available to attend this in person for the whole day at West Suffolk House, our Bury St Edmunds offices.

For more information:

If you have any queries regarding a placement or the application process, please email samantha.knight@westsuffolk.gov.uk or telephone 01638 719334.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1 February 2026

Assessment Day: Monday 30 March 2026

West Suffolk Council

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Internship Programme 2026