The Civil Service has launched their Graduate Aspiration Programme (GAP). If you’re interested in a career in the Civil Service, this is an incredible opportunity that you cannot miss!
What is the Civil Service?
The Civil Service supports the government of the day to implement its policies effectively on behalf of every community across the UK. From benefits and pensions to employment services, prisons to driving licenses, our work touches every aspect of UK life. The Civil Service employs approximately 510,000 people from across the UK and is independent of government.
A career in the Civil Service offers you:
- the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives in the UK
- learning on the job and good career development opportunities
- flexible working hours and comprehensive benefits
Click here to find out more on myCareer or read on below.
What is the Graduate Aspiration Programme (GAP)?
GAP is an amazing one to one mentoring opportunity which matches university students, from under-represented backgrounds, with a mentor from the Civil Service who has an expertise in a particular professional area. The programme aims to build confidence, aspiration and support future career choices, as well as enhancing communication skills and building new networks.
Mentees are encouraged to talk about their career aspirations and any opportunities or barriers they feel may prevent them from achieving their goals. The role of the mentor is to offer guidance and advice, as well as helping to identify solutions to support mentees to achieve their potential.
Commitment
GAP should only be considered by students who are able to commit fully to the programme. Mentors are giving up their own time and commitment to provide this support and it is essential that students do likewise. We will provide a Certificate of Participation for those mentees who complete the programme.
To take part in the programme students must commit to:
- Investing their time to engage with the mentor; typically, six 1 hour sessions over the four months via digital platforms.
- Actively participating in the scheme, imparting/receiving advice and considering opportunities to develop.
- Completing feedback / evaluation forms to allow us to make improvements that will benefit others in future.
- Notifying the programme organisers of any changes, e.g. contact details, programme participation.
- Mentees must complete a minimum of 5 out of the 6 sessions to receive their Certificate of Participation at the end of the programme.
Criteria
Students must come from lower socio-economic backgrounds (LSEB), an example may be that they received/were eligible for free school meals at any stage in their schooling, they receive a higher bursary, or their parents were unemployed or in routine/manual labour job roles. There will be questions in the application form that will determine this and students who don’t meet the criteria will be notified. Students who are eligible will be notified when they receive their match.
This programme is open to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students, there is no limitations on the degree you are studying.
When does mentoring take place?
Cohort 3 will last 4 months, and run from January 2025 to April 2025.
Mentee applications will open 21st October and close midnight 9th November 2024. The Social Mobility Team will match mentees and mentors based on a list of professional areas of work. Students will be matched where possible to their highest choice, followed by 2nd choice and then 3rd. Students and mentors will be notified of their match in December 2024 and be expected to reach out to their mentor as soon as possible to book in a session for January.
There are two information sessions running on Microsoft Teams:
- GAP Mentee Information Session – 23/10/2024 – 11am-11:30am
- GAP Mentee Information Session – 24/10/2024 – 4pm-4:30pm
Click here to find out more on myCareer and apply now!
Kind regards,
Careers & Employability
firstpoint 