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Last updated: 23 November 2008
17 October 2007
CAB/084-07
The government has launched a hunt for the next generation of public sector IT leaders through the new Civil Service Technology In Business Fast Stream.
Following a successful pilot scheme that led to the recruitment of six men and women from across the country, the new Technology in Business Fast Stream hopes to appoint up to 20 of Britain's brightest graduates this year.
The UK government handles some of the biggest IT challenges in the world and planning, delivering and managing technology-based change, centred on the needs of citizens, calls for exceptionally talented people.
The Technology in Business Fast Stream will provide Britain with its next generation of leaders: women and men capable of bringing about positive, large-scale business change in the public sector. Technology in Business Fast Streamers will be selected for their potential to become future Chief Information Officers or leaders of large-scale, IT-enabled business change.
They will be placed in leading central government departments, receive ongoing training and development, have a senior mentor to shape their career development and the opportunity to meet and work with key technology leaders across the wider public sector.
Sarah Scott, who was recruited by the pilot scheme, has now started work with HM Revenue & Customs after studying business management at the University of Surrey. She said:
“When I started my university course I never thought it would lead me to a job in government, and certainly not a place on a scheme aimed at developing the IT leaders of the future.
“Right from the start I'll be working on a project to make IT operations more environmentally friendly - it's a really exciting area and is a long way from the stereotypical image of dull computer experts!”
Gillian Merron, the Minister for Transformational Government, said:
“I'm delighted that the Technology In Business Fast Stream has been set up to ensure Britain's best and brightest graduates are given the opportunity to apply their skills to Whitehall's complex and exciting ICT projects, which are all about making government better for people.”
Applications for this year's scheme are now open and close on 30 November. For details visit: http://www.cio.gov.uk/itprofession/faststream/index.asp[External website]
The TIB Fast Stream forms part of the overall Civil Service Fast Stream, which identifies, trains and fast-tracks the public sector leaders of the future.
This year marks the full launch of the TIB Fast Stream. A small-scale pilot scheme last year attracted hundreds of applications and led to the recruitment of six graduates. They started work this month.
The six – who come from a wide range of backgrounds and universities – are available for interview for case studies etc.
The scheme is open to applicants with a first, upper second or postgraduate degree in business, engineering, librarianship, mathematical science, physical science, technology or IT management for business.
The TIB Fast stream will be visiting several university careers fairs over the coming weeks: Bath (18 October), Bristol (24 October), Sheffield/Sheffield Hallam (30 October), York (2 November) and the LSEM (6 November).
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