The UK government has unveiled a pioneering internship scheme designed exclusively for working-class students, marking a significant step towards diversifying the civil service. The initiative, set to launch next year, will offer placements across key government departments, providing invaluable experience and career opportunities for those from less privileged backgrounds.
Breaking Down Barriers
Under the new scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria to prove their working-class status, including household income thresholds and parental occupation. The programme aims to address longstanding inequalities in access to prestigious civil service roles, which have traditionally been dominated by graduates from elite universities.
A New Approach to Diversity
"This isn't about tokenism," a government spokesperson stated. "It's about recognising that talent isn't equally distributed across postcodes and creating genuine pathways for those who've been systematically excluded." The move comes amid growing criticism of the civil service's lack of socioeconomic diversity, despite progress in other areas of inclusion.
Scheme Details
The internship will feature:
- Paid placements across major government departments
- Mentorship from senior civil servants
- Tailored training programmes
- Potential fast-track opportunities for outstanding candidates
Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience in policymaking and government operations, with many placements based in Westminster.
Mixed Reactions
While equality campaigners have welcomed the initiative, some critics argue it constitutes positive discrimination. However, ministers insist the scheme complements rather than replaces existing internship programmes, creating additional opportunities rather than redistributing them.
The government plans to evaluate the scheme's effectiveness after its first year, with potential expansion to other areas of the public sector if successful.
