The UK Cabinet Office has launched an extensive plan to expand its digital capabilities and modernise the Civil Service.
The initiative calls for the recruitment of 2,500 tech and digital professionals through apprenticeships and talent programmes.
Ultimately, this will support the UK government’s commitment to improve public services and save taxpayer money. Back in 2022, the UK government estimated potential savings of over £1 billion of taxpayer money through the digital transformation of services, by eliminating the unnecessary costs of paper-based services and processes.
Alex Burghart, parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “We want the next generation of tech talent to be able to learn their trade helping government to make services better for the public.
These apprenticeships are going to build great new digital careers and capabilities both in Whitehall and across the country.”
Central to their recruitment strategy is the digital apprenticeship programme, which seeks to onboard 500 early career entrants into digital roles within the government this financial year. The number will eventually rise to 1,800 digital apprentices by June 2025.
This digital apprenticeship programme creates opportunities for both existing civil servants and newcomers to fill high-demand positions, such as cyber security technologists and software developers. The UK government want the best and brightest young minds to help them modernise the country and keep up with international competitors.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Jeremy Quin, said: “[This] announcement drives forward our plans for a modern Civil Service equipped with the skills and capabilities needed to harness the power of digital, data and technology. By attracting and retaining the best talent, we will keep pace with technological change and deliver more efficient services for the British public.”
Megan Lee Devlin, chief executive of the CDDO, said: “We look forward to welcoming more purpose-minded technologists across government.”
See what kind of digital apprenticeships are available in England.
