The Civil Service Apprenticeship Scheme, now in its second year, welcomed 200 new apprentices on Thursday (18/9). The scheme aims to give 18-21 year-olds who don’t want to go to university, a chance to enter the civil service in a bid to make the civil service “fit for 21st century Britain.”
“With the Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme we want to provide the same high-quality opportunities for school-leavers that we offer graduates through our Fast Stream. The Fast Track also allows us to draw on a broader talent pool for the future leaders of the Civil Service,” Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Sir Jeremy Heywood stated.
“For the apprentices we are welcoming today, this is the start of an exciting journey on which they will develop the skills and experience they need for a career in the Civil Service and a chance to make a difference. If you want to join them, register now to avoid missing out on the opportunity.”
Apprentices will be trained over the course of two years, and will gain a level four qualification in Business Administration, Finance and IT and will undergo a structured training plan where skills such as communication, IT, finance and project management will be taught.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:
“It’s important that schemes like this get the recognition they deserve, marking a clear step away from the barely concealed snobbery around vocational education.
“Apprentices make a fantastic contribution to our society and I want young people from every background to know that if they choose to pursue their career in the Civil Service, work hard and prove themselves, nothing should stop them from making their way right to the top.”
This year the scheme doubled its intake from 100-200, however competition was still fierce with over 3000 applications being made. The intake is expected to double again next year with the intentions of having 500 apprentices partaking in the scheme every year. 16% of those partaking in the scheme this year are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 43% are women.
“The Civil Service already employs some of Britain’s most talented people, but this Government launched the Fast Track Apprenticeship scheme to attract those who have chosen not to go to university,” Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said. “This year’s 200 new apprentices will be joined next year by another 400. The scheme opens the door to a challenging and rewarding Civil Service career.”
To register your interest in the 2015 scheme visit: https://www5.i-grasp.com/fe/apprenticeships.asp?s=78696075797a786d79767e75767e797713&key=1975789&c=877656837112&pagestamp=sevqvskldelhzvylnh
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