Thu, 18 Sep 2014The government’s fast-track civil service apprenticeship scheme will offer 400 places in 2015, double this year’s intake, who were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at Westminster today.

The scheme, which was launched last year, offers 18-21-year-olds who don’t want to go to university, the chance to earn as they learn in the civil service.

“Apprentices make a fantastic contribution to our society and I want young people from every background to know that of 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,” said Clegg.

The Fast Track apprentices undertake a structured, two-year training programme providing a Level 4 qualification in business administration, IT or finance and the opportunity to develop a range of skills. At the end of the scheme, candidates have the opportunity to apply internally to become permanent employees for other civil service career opportunities.