Guide to Civil Service Apprenticeships
The Civil Service plays a vital role in society, kind of like fridges do.
If it wasn’t for the Civil Service, there would be no public services. If there were no fridges, there would be no fresh food! And that means no salmon and cream cheese bagels. Like your fridge, The Civil Service is invaluable.
Without it there would be no one to work in our prisons, sort out our benefit schemes, or even issue driving licences… the list is almost endless!
As a civil servant, you’ll have the power to help make social, environmental and economic changes to your community.
This guide maps out what kind of civil service apprenticeships there are and where to find them. So if you want to know more about what kind of civil service apprenticeships are out there just keep reading...
In a hurry? Skip the queue and get stuck in.
What is the Civil Service?
So, the short answer is… Civil servants support the government by helping develop and implement its policies.
However, there’s much more to it than that. The Civil Service employs around 420,000 people across a huge variety of roles. You could be a vet, marine biologist or web developer and still be employed by the Civil Service.
“So, how can I get a piece of the action?”
The government offers apprenticeships sporadically throughout the year - as and when they need apprentices. Keep an eye out for vacancies on their website.
What you might not know is that they also offer a ‘Fast Track’ scheme. This scheme didn’t take place in 2019 but the government is currently planning for their 2020 relaunch of the scheme. For updates on the Fast Track Apprenticeship 2020 scheme, check out their website.
Keep reading to find out more...
Types of Apprenticeships
The government is always looking to recruit new apprentices for the Civil Service. They offer apprenticeships ranging from Level 4 to Level 7. (And that’s the equivalent to a Master’s degree!)
Click here to check out what kind of apprenticeships the Civil Service are currently offering!
Here are a few examples of schemes you can apply for…
Programme Support Officer (Apprentice)
Level 3
Salary: £24,988
This apprenticeship will see you through the completion of the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship which will take around 15 months to complete. Your main role will be to ensure admin is complete for the Project Management Office (PMO).
This is a heavily based admin role, so you will need to be pretty savvy with technology, organisation and communication.
Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme
Level 7
Salary: £22,450
On this apprenticeship, you will be working in the economic sector of the Civil Service to support small businesses, help ex-prisoners build a new life, and help take measures as a country to protect the environment.
As it is a degree apprenticeship, you will also be working towards a fully-funded degree whilst getting all that relevant industry experience - what a cracking deal!
Fast Track Apprenticeships in The Civil Service
The fast track schemes all start at Level 4, and there are 6 different departments to choose from:
Business Apprenticeships
This type of Civil Service apprenticeship is business-focused. You will oversee activities and create or improve policies for them.
To apply, you will need five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) and above. These must include Maths and English language.
Commercial Apprenticeships
The government has contracts with multiple service providers, including healthcare and education. This role will see you work closely with these sectors and contract management. You’ll pick up lots of transferable skills, such as negotiation and management.
To apply, you will need five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) and above. These must include Maths and English language.
Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Apprenticeships
On this apprenticeship, you’ll work alongside other digital, data and technology professionals to keep the government’s digital services up to scratch. Day-to-day activities of a DDaT apprentice include website management, coding and data collection.
To apply, you will need two A Levels (or equivalent) at grade C and above, plus five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) and above. GCSEs must include Maths and English language.
Finance Apprenticeships
As an apprentice in the finance sector, you’ll work with finance professionals to ensure that tax is spent in the right place, and that it is spent fairly. You will have to learn quickly, and must be keenly organised with a knack for budgeting!
To apply, you will need five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) and above. These must include Maths and English language.
Policy Apprenticeships
If you were to choose a policy apprenticeship within the civil service, you would gain the experience and skills you need to make policy recommendations. In time, your advice could have a real impact on society.
To apply, you will need two A Levels (or equivalent) at grade D and above, plus five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) and above. GCSEs must include Maths and English language.
Project Delivery Apprenticeships
This apprenticeship is project-based, which means no two days will ever be the same. You’ll collaborate with a huge range of people, gaining skills in project risk, project finance, and project reporting.
To apply, you will need two A Levels (or equivalent) at grade D and above, plus five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) and above.
For more information and to register your interest for the Fast Track Apprenticeship scheme, email fasttrack.preregister@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Am I ready to apply?
Think a career in the Civil Service is for you? First, check to see whether or not you are eligible to apply for one of their apprenticeships:
You are aged 16+
You have at least 5 GCSEs at grade C and above (or the new grade 4 and above), including English Language and Maths, or equivalent qualifications
You have been a resident in the UK for at least 2 of the 10 years immediately before your application (including 1 continuous 12-month period)
You do not already have a degree
For more information, check out this video (albeit, it’s from 2015…) of some Civil Service apprentices who know what it’s like to be in your position.
Are civil servants only based in London?
It is often assumed that all of the careers in the Civil Service are based in London - as this is where Boris is based.
However, 80% of Civil Service jobs are based outside of London as they are needed all over the UK. You’ll find opportunities across the country; from Bristol to Glasgow.
Money, money, money!
We’re not stupid. We know that money plays a huge part when you’re choosing a career.
Well… GOOD NEWS! The apprenticeship wage for civil servants is higher than most other apprenticeships.
If you are based outside of London, the MINIMUM salary will be a whopping £19,500.
If you take an apprenticeship in London, the MINIMUM salary is a heart-stopping £22,000.
The MAXIMUM salary is currently £27,000!
Don’t believe us? We know it seems too good to be true, but it is. See for yourself on the official GOV website.