IT is a sense of power and influence that has helped to make the Civil Service one of the highest-ranking organisations in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers and no matter who is in Downing Street, the allure of working as a top civil servant is always strong.

Of the many hundreds of graduate vacancies each year in the Civil Service, the most sought after are on the Faststream scheme that provides fast-track graduates to departments and agencies across government. The scheme is based around a series of demanding placements and “faststreamers” can expect to move regularly between the major central departments, such as transport or trade and industry, and government agencies, as well as being seconded to work in Europe, the US or the private sector.

There are ten programmes available with Fast Stream, including opportunities in science and engineering, the diplomatic service, clerkships in Parliament, schemes for statisticians and economists, the Government Communication Headquarters and in MI6.

Although the scheme’s entry requirements seem fairly modest — a second class degree in any subject — competition for Fast Stream appointments is considerable. A thorough selection process involves a series of online verbal, numerical and reasoning tests, an e-application form, a further test day, full-day assessment centre and often a final selection board. The scheme is usually open only to UK nationals, although occasionally there are vacancies for other Commonwealth citizens or EU nationals.



Martin Birchall is editor of The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers

NUMBER 4: CIVIL SERVICE FAST STREAM

What does it do? The Civil Service’s accelerated development programme for graduates is known as the Fast Stream and is the main entry route into senior Civil Service careers.


How many vacancies are there? The Faststream scheme took on about 250 graduates this year and applications for this intake are closed. Recruitment for 2006 vacancies will begin in September.

Where are the graduate jobs? Nationwide.

What will it pay starters this year? £21,500.

What’s the competition like? The Civil Service received more than 8,000 applications for the scheme in 2005.

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with more than 15,000 final-year university students. Order the latest edition from Times Books First for only £11.99 (RRP £14.99). Call 0870 1608080 or visit www.timesonline.co.uk/booksfirstbuy

Times Recommends

• Blackstone target at $7.75bn on China deal
• An opportunity in the Muslim community
• BSkyB deal may spell trouble for Virgin