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Apprenticeships

Illustration of two people sat at a desk and one person stood up talking to them. There is a laptop and book on the desk and illustrations of a mortarboard hat and a light bulb.

Why choose a Civil Service apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship puts you in a paid position whilst allowing you to study for professional accreditation. Once you complete your apprenticeship you will have all the relevant knowledge to progress in your chosen field.

Apprentices form an important part of workforce planning across a range of levels and professions, and are integral to the structure and future of the Civil Service.

We have seen a fantastic uptake on apprenticeships, with thousands of people starting an apprenticeship qualification in the Civil Service every year.

Find a Civil Service apprenticeship or sign up to be alerted when new apprenticeships are advertised that match your skills and experience.

Image of Amber Stamp Dunstan

“I knew I wanted to get an apprenticeship, this was an easy choice as you can gain relevant qualifications whilst getting experience in the working world. This has put me ahead of my peers as I have been able to complete both learning and a 9-5 job whilst collecting a wage packet.”

Amber Stamp-Dunstan

Level 3 Operational Delivery apprentice in HMRC

Being an apprentice

Being a Civil Service apprentice means joining a community of passionate and engaged people all committed to improving the lives of people across the UK. You might be working to support delivery of frontline services that are critical to members of the public, helping to shape government policy on any number of topics or working in one of our corporate services to provide the right tools and expertise to other civil servants.

You will also receive high quality learning and development as part of your apprenticeship and have the chance to work alongside experts in the field as you put your learning into practice. You will finish your apprenticeship as an accredited professional able to progress your career in your chosen field. Hear from some of our Civil Service apprentices about their experiences and how they are helping them progress their careers.  

Your apprenticeship is not a journey you make alone. You will have support every step of the way, with your line manager and talent coach helping you to build your capability as you gain experience in your role. You will also have the opportunity to join various apprentice networks, both within your department and profession, as well as across the whole Civil Service.

The Civil Service apprenticeships offer

Civil Service apprenticeships are ideal for anybody who wishes to work in areas which make a real difference to UK society, with the added bonus of being able to ‘earn while you learn’. 

Apprenticeships can be undertaken in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with opportunities available at levels 2 to 7, and each level corresponding to a different educational qualification:

  • Level 2 – GCSEs
  • Level 3 – A-Levels
  • Levels 4 and 5 – Higher Education Certificate/Diploma or Foundation Degree
  • Level 6 – Bachelor’s Degree
  • Level 7 – Master’s Degree

Roles are available across a range of professions:

  • Counter Fraud
  • Customer Services
  • Cyber Security
  • Digital
  • Finance
  • Legal
  • Operational Delivery
  • Science and Engineering

Civil Service apprenticeships are available:

  • for anyone that meets CS nationality rules (further restrictions may apply)
  • for anyone aged 16 years+,
  • for anyone from any background,
  • across a range of qualifications,
  • across the UK.
Headshot of Natalie Woolard, former Level 4 Tax Professional in HMRC.

Hear from current and former Civil Service apprentices, from a variety of professions and roles

Natalie Woolard, a former Level 4 Tax Professional apprentice at HM Revenue and Customs, says “While I felt the pressure at certain points, I never felt as though it was too much, as instead it offered a focus and direction for my development, which can sometimes be difficult to define by yourself.”

Read blogs from apprentices
Black and white logo that says SKILLS FOR LIFE - APPRENTICESHIPS

National Apprenticeship Week 2024

An annual celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy

Read more about National Apprenticeship Week 2024
Sonia Pawson stands in front of a government building

Sonia Pawson, Director of Government Skills

“As we enter National Apprenticeship Week, I wanted to reflect on the Civil Service commitment to providing high quality, relevant and rewarding apprenticeships.”

Watch Sonia’s video