The government is using its new
Civil Service Technology in Business Fast Streamscheme to capture the best IT talent to help run its major
technology projects.
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 best
graduates this year.
The Cabinet Office said 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."
Scott said, "Right from the start I will be working on a project
to make IT operations more environmentally friendly - it is a
really exciting area and is a long way from the stereotypical image
of dull computer experts."
Gillian Merron, minister for transformational government, said,
"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."
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.
Applications for this year's scheme are now open, and close on
30 November.