Are you a school leaver, college student, or career changer looking to break into the UK Civil Service with an apprenticeship?

Civil Service apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain experience, earn a salary, and develop valuable skills while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

With opportunities across various departments such as the Home Office, HMRC, and the Department for Education, civil service apprenticeships can be the perfect entry point into a meaningful and rewarding career in public service.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully land a Civil Service apprenticeship in the UK, from understanding the scheme to acing the application and interview process.

1. What is a Civil Service Apprenticeship?

A Civil Service apprenticeship combines practical work with academic study, allowing you to earn while you learn.

These programmes typically last between 12 to 36 months and are available at different levels, including Intermediate, Advanced, Higher, and Degree levels.

As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced staff, receive mentoring, and develop workplace skills in areas like policy, customer service, project delivery, and digital technology.

The UK Civil Service has set a goal for apprentices to make up 5% workforce by this year. In addition the government is committed to spending £800m. What this means for you is that there is a strong commitment to offering thousands of high-quality apprenticeship opportunities throughout the country.

2. What Types of Jobs are Available in Civil Service Apprenticeships?

Civil Service apprenticeships are varied and cover a broad range of sectors. Depending on your interests and strengths, you can apply for roles in:

• Business Administration
• Finance
• Digital and IT
• Policy and Project Management
• HR and Recruitment
• Communications and Marketing

Each department offers roles tailored to their needs, so take time to explore different opportunities across government websites and the Civil Service Jobs portal.

3. What Qualifications do I Need for a Civil Service Apprenticeship?

To apply for most Civil Service apprenticeships, you need to:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Not be in full-time education
• Be eligible to work in the UK

Some apprenticeships may also require specific GCSEs or A-levels, particularly for technical or degree-level roles.

4. How do I Find Civil Service Apprenticeships?

The best place to find current apprenticeship vacancies is the official Civil Service Jobs website (www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk). Here, you can:

• Create an account and upload your CV
• Set job alerts based on your interests and location
• Apply directly to advertised apprenticeship programmes

Be sure to also check the “Fast Track Apprenticeship” and “Government Communication Service Apprenticeship” schemes, which open at specific times each year.

5. Do I Need to Complete an Application for a Civil Service Apprenticeship?

Yes you will need to complete an application for your CS apprenticeship and you will have to include a personal statement outlining your reasons for applying and skills you bring.

When applying, tailor your personal statement to the role you’re interested in. Highlight key skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Be sure to explain why you want to join the Civil Service and what you hope to achieve through the apprenticeship.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure examples from school, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your abilities.

6. Civil Service Apprenticeship Online Tests and Interviews

Most Civil Service apprenticeship schemes involve an initial online assessment, which may include:

• Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs)
• Numerical and verbal reasoning
• Behavioural questionnaires

If successful, you may be invited to a virtual or face-to-face interview. These interviews are often competency-based, so prepare examples that demonstrate the Civil Service Success Profiles behaviours such as:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Practice answering questions using the STAR technique, and review the job description to align your answers with the role’s responsibilities.

7. Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Commitment

During the application process, it’s important to show genuine interest in the department and the role. Research the department’s recent projects, values, and priorities, and be ready to discuss how they align with your goals.

Remember, apprenticeships are competitive, and showing a willingness to learn, grow, and contribute can set you apart from other candidates.

8. Keep Learning and Stay Patient

Not every application will be successful, but don’t get discouraged. Use each experience as a learning opportunity. If you don’t pass an assessment or interview, reflect on what went well and what you could improve.

Meanwhile, build your skills through online courses, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that enhance your CV. These can help boost your confidence and prepare you for future applications.

How to get your Civil Service Apprenticeship with InterviewGold

Getting a Civil Service apprenticeship is a great way to start your career in public service. With the right preparation you can secure a role that offers real development, stability, and purpose.

With the InterviewGold online interview training platform you will have everything you need to pass both your application and interviews including:

• Our advanced Answer Builder will create answers TAILOR MADE for you to any question for application and interview.
• Use the expertly written and detailed STAR sample interview answer templates both 250 words and longer to guide you.
• Detailed personal statements and answers for behaviour and suitability statements.
• And much more.