Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship [2018]

Thank you!
It was about 10 minutes after I submitted, then another email 5 minutes later to confirm my assessment centre time and date. Its the first time I have applied and looking at other comments it seems its unusual to have heard so quickly so I'm not sure how I've been so lucky! Good luck to everyone hopefully will see you all there 😊

Hi, congrats on passing the tests! Good luck in the assessment centre! Any tips for the tests and the situational questions please? Thank you!

Hey guys,
I applied for this last year and I'm currently on the Digital, Data and Technology scheme based in London. More than happy to answer any questions you may have about the process/current job role etc.

Hi Kohkoh - I have recently just submitted my online test and awaiting feedback. Don’t feel very positive as ran out of time on both tests!My first choice is Digital and data, could you explain what the day to day work would be and what the end result of your current project is?How’s progression looking for you at the end of the scheme?Thanks again!

Hi, although I haven’t applied to the Technology scheme, I’d love to know what your experience was like when you first joined your team. Was it easy to adapt? And what was it like to be an apprentice in an organisation where the majority of people aren’t-did you feel welcomed regardless? Oh, and how long did it take for you to get the results of your online tests back? Sorry for all the questions - thank you ☺️

Hey guys,
I applied for this last year and I'm currently on the Digital, Data and Technology scheme based in London. More than happy to answer any questions you may have about the process/current job role etc.

How long did it take you to hear back after the first online assessment? Was it the full 8 weeks? And also, are you struggling with the workload at all?

Don't worry about time. I remember the first test I didn't even realise I was being timed so I was taking it very leisurely. I don't think they're designed for you to finish, rather to see how far you can get.
Awesome, there are a few different job roles you can get, for example: Data Analyst, Software Tester, Software Developer.
I'm a Software Developer. My working week is based on 'flexi-time', so I have to work 37 hours in the week but I can work those however I want (to an extent) I also get the option to work from home twice a week if I choose.
I've been in post about 2 months now and I've obviously still A LOT to learn. We're working on a pretty simple web app at the moment so most of my time is working on that, learning code and implementing it. We have a little team of apprentices so we've all taken on different sections of that.

As for the Apprenticeship side, I've had very limited contact from QA (the Governing body) but I will be chasing that up very soon.

At the end of the Scheme we're guaranteed a job. That goes for everyone in any scheme. Assuming you pass the 9-month probation (which I assume you will provided you don't do anything catastrophically dumb) then you're pretty set within the Civil Service. You may move teams but there's definitely a job at the end of it.

I don't think I'll progress onto the Fast Stream because it doesn't really suit what I'm looking for, before I started that was my plan but now I'm here my opinion on that has changed. It's a great scheme, just not for me.

Good Luck with your results.



Super easy, my team was great. In fact the whole department is great. Everyone has been super welcoming, and I feel like I can talk to anyone in the office, there's no visible hierarchy or prejudice on how you got there, whether apprentice or not.
Even the Top Bosses have been really friendly and welcoming, I wouldn't have a problem with engaging with them out of the blue and I'm sure (assuming they're not too busy) they would welcome it.

Long.

All I can say is, have patience. I honestly can't remember exact dates or times but what I would say is do not expect to be in a role within 10 months. If you are, bonus!


Hope I've answered the questions the two of you had. If you've any follow ups, or anyone has any more - go ahead!

That’s really great feedback thanks! I may be jumping the gun slightly but could you let us know how your assessment day was set out? The part I’m most worried about would be the written section, what do you have to write? Is it with pen and paper or can you type it?
Thanks

Sure. It was split into three sections, a written test (which was pen&paper) an interview and a group exercise.

For the written test we were given information and had to write an email reply to someone who was complaining and then an email to our manager explaining what we had wrote and why.

Then in the group stage we were all given some information and had to bring it to the group with pros/cons, what we thought was the best option and discuss them together.

Then the interview which was a standard job interview - look at the core values and have suitable answers that highlight when you’ve shown them.

Sorry I’m being purposefully vague in some of my answers, I’m sure I signed something to say I wouldn’t disclose too much!

No need to apologise that’s ecaxtly what I wanted to know! I only ask about them writing as I’m such a slow writer I feel like I’d run out of time.

Appreciate all you feedback and insight, not just for me to pass the initlal tests!

I applied last Monday and got a response today for the assessment centre on 9th of April in Newcastle

I applied last Monday and got a response today for the assessment centre on 9th of April in Newcastle

Nice! That was really quick compared to some of the stories on the last thread!

What have you chosen for your options? I applied last Thursday but have had no feedback as of yet. I think I messed up on the situational questions at the end, how did you find them?