The Government has nearly quadrupled the number of Civil Service apprenticeships available to talented young people across the UK, with applications for 750 places opening today.
From today, young people can apply for 450 Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeships, including 50 dedicated Cyber Security apprenticeships, and 300 new Operational Delivery Apprenticeships. In total the 750 places available is a significant increase on the 200 places available last year.
The 2015 apprenticeships offer a wider range of opportunities than ever before, with roles in departments across the country, ranging from the Department for Work and Pensions in Dundee to HM Revenue & Customs in Hastings. Successful applicants will gain valuable work experience and a certified qualification, while being paid a competitive salary.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said:
“As part of our long-term economic plan, we are working to ensure that we have the very best people working in the Civil Service. We created the Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme to recognise that young people who leave school and go straight into the world of work have much to offer. In time, I hope to see some of them rise to fill the very highest posts in the Civil Service."
Chief Executive of the Civil Service John Manzoni said:
“This year we are looking for even more young talented people to join the Civil Service. While receiving fantastic training and experience in a variety of disciplines, successful applicants have the opportunity to work on some incredibly important projects making a real difference from day one. These apprenticeships are here to attract a new generation of talented school-leavers who are looking for an alternative to higher education and want to take up one of the exciting and diverse roles available in the Civil Service. I look forward to welcoming them in September.”
More Information on the Apprenticeship Schemes
The application window for the Civil Service Apprenticeships opens on 2 February 2015 and runs until 16 March 2015, with the successful applicants starting work in September 2015.
This year, 750 places are on offer to non-graduates. Of these, 450 are on the Fast Track Apprenticeship and 300 are on the Operational Delivery Apprenticeship. Fast Track Apprenticeship candidates require five A*-C grades at GCS (including Maths and English).
Anyone wishing to apply should go to www.gov.uk/civil-service-apprenticeships before 16 March 2015 when the application window closes.
Fast Track Apprenticeship
The Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme offers 450 young people the opportunity to work at the heart of government in positions with real responsibility, with roles ranging from Web Operations Engineers in the Ministry of Defence to working in a minister’s office in Whitehall.
The scheme, introduced in 2013 with 100 places, offers a level 4 higher apprenticeship and permanent employment at Executive Officer Level. This year, the 450 includes 50 bespoke Cyber Security Apprenticeships.
Apprentices will benefit from a structured training programme for 2 years. They will develop a range of skills through training and learning on the job and at the end of the scheme will have the opportunity to apply as established Civil Servants for other Civil Service career opportunities. They will also be offered permanent roles if they successfully complete their apprenticeships.
Operational Delivery Apprenticeship
The new Operational Delivery scheme offers a Level 3 apprenticeship and launches with 300 places, creating a new way for young talented people to begin their career in a role that helps provide services to customers and protecting the public.
This scheme runs for 18 months and will see apprentices gain significant work experience as Operational Delivery Officers in some of the largest government departments including HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions.
