Help us find the best workplace for you by sharing more about yourself.
We will never disclose your information with others.
DCMS new joiners network
I joined DCMS last year and have found it to be a wonderfully diverse, inclusive and interesting department to work in. I recently completed my CIPD qualification in the form of an apprenticeship; my...
Enable Recite to make this website accessible
Social Mobility: Apprenticeships are just for plumbers and electricians, right?
Category: testimonial, Graduates and Apprentices, Career and Talent Development, Learning and Development, Apprentiships, Apprentices, Staff Testimonial, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, apprentice, Apprentiship, DCMS, apprentice project
In this post, James Richardson, a Policy Adviser at DCMS, talks about his experience as an apprentice in the Civil Service.
Last spring, I was offered a Direct Appointee Policy Apprenticeship at DCMS on the back of my Fast Stream application. On getting the news, I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy. I’d completed an Economic History degree, drudged through months of situational judgement tests, video interviews, and an assessment centre in a business park on the outskirts of Newcastle – all for an apprenticeship..? To tell you the truth, I was gutted.
What I hadn’t appreciated right away was that Policy Apprenticeships in the Civil Service have a brilliant L&D offer. 20% of the working week is devoted to your development in the Policy Profession, with seminars and coaching from experienced and engaging ex-SCS staff. There is no bar to a substantive promotion, nor a move to another Department. For my career, this actually seemed to be a really decent offer.
This is important to me. Growing up I had no familial links to ‘the professions’, and was the first of my family to stay in post-16 education. This does not mean people like me want lower entry requirements, easier rides, or preferential treatment. What it means is that if the Civil Service is to truly be a modern employer and the world’s best public service, then it needs to continue to promote and expand schemes which widen the pool of talent.
You can find out more about Civil Service apprenticeship opportunities, including opportunities with DCMS, here.
VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email [email protected] for more information.
Learn more about this employer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Inclusive features
- Race & Ethnicity (BAME)
- Dependency (Parenting & Carers)
- Social Responsibility (Charity/ Volunteering)
- Staff Network Group
Section with Articles you might like
The importance of disclosure on VERCIDA
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is helping to make Britain the world’s most creative, digital and engaged nation. As a department, we strive to enrich what the UK has to offer and...
My Wellbeing: Lauren Metalle
Welcome to My Wellbeing. This article focuses on what wellbeing means to staff at DCMS, and includes the top tips of colleagues throughout the department for maintaining positive and healthy wellbeing...
World Mental Health Day: why you should always ask twice
This article is written by Mel Collins, Deputy Director of HR Delivery and Strategic Partnering, and a Mental Health Champion at DCMS. In October 2020, DCMS held a mental health awareness week. The t...