A new government-backed internship programme will offer paid summer placements to students from working class backgrounds, aiming to improve social mobility and create a Civil Service
that better reflects the nation it serves.
The initiative, launching as part of the government’s *Plan for Change*, is designed to remove barriers for undergraduates from lower-income families who are often underrepresented in elite graduate schemes like the Fast Stream.
What the Programme Offers:
Starting in summer 2026, around 200 undergraduates will gain hands-on experience in Civil Service departments over a two-month paid placement. Participants will get involved in tasks such as:
- Planning official events
- Writing briefings for ministers
- Shadowing senior civil servants
- Supporting policy research and development
Each intern will also receive tailored guidance, including mentorship from a current Fast Stream participant and access to skills-building sessions. Students who perform well may be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process after graduation.
A step toward greater diversity
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:
“We need more working class young people in the Civil Service to tap into the full range of talent and experiences across the UK. Government decisions are stronger when they reflect the lives of the people we serve.”
He added: “This programme will help students from every background access opportunities at the heart of government and play a leading role in delivering our Plan for Change.”
Wider government push for equality
This internship is part of broader efforts to improve diversity across the Civil Service. Earlier this year, the government introduced a *Career Launch* apprenticeship scheme for school leavers and set a goal for 50% of Fast Stream placements to be located outside London by 2030.
The Fast Stream, widely considered one of the UK’s top graduate schemes, offers a fast-tracked path to leadership roles within government.
Applications for the new internship will open in October 2025.
