Opening Doors for Young People

As we celebrate 'Youth Employment Week', it’s a great opportunity to show how GFiE is helping young people take their first steps into meaningful careers.

Across the Civil Service, a variety of tailored GFiE pathways from 'Supported Internships' for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to the 'Care Leaver Internships', our Network of Pathways are breaking down barriers to employment.

Building Awareness and Aspiration

Attracting young people to careers in the Civil Service involves much more than advertising vacancies. It starts with helping young people, schools and careers advisers to understand the breadth of opportunities that are available and the positive impact that a career in Civil Service can have.

DWP Schools Advisers work directly with schools to raise awareness, support students with CV writing and provide practical advice on applying for jobs. In the Devolved Governments, Jobcentreplus Recruitment Consultants carry out similar activities, ensuring that young people across the UK can access information and guidance about careers within the Civil Service.

Supporting Success Beyond Recruitment

One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing young people thrive once they join departments.

Many who entered through the network of pathways have excelled - completing apprenticeships, securing permanent positions and they continue to progress their careers within the Civil Service.

These achievements demonstrate the value of providing accessible routes into employment and the long-term benefits of investing in young talent.

Movement to work in the Civil Service

Another vital GFiE life-chance pathway making waves across the Civil Service is  Movement to Work. Sourced through Jobcentre Plus, this initiative supports young people aged 16–30 who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). It offers a targeted two-week work experience placement within the Civil Service that can lead to a temporary fixed-term role, with the ultimate possibility of permanent employment.

The real impact of this pathway is best understood through the journeys of those who take it.

Rachael’s Story: A Journey of Resilience

Rachael, a lone parent of two, bravely relocated to escape domestic abuse. The upheaval of moving home, combined with a physical health condition, had a significant impact on her mental health. Despite these challenges, Rachael remained determined to find work and build a better future for her family.

Recognising her potential, Rachael's Work Coach suggested Movement to Work as an opportunity to build confidence, develop self-belief, and explore realistic career goals. Rachael volunteered to participate and excelled while undertaking a variety of activities during her work experience in the office, ultimately securing a permanent role in DWP.

Rachael has since secured further progression within the department, and recently won the Movement to Work 'Breakthrough Star' award. Her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of belief and opportunity.

Looking Ahead

'Youth Employment Week' is a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, gain confidence and build successful careers.

This success shows what can be achieved through collaboration and most importantly, reflects our commitment to helping young people flourish, develop their potential and make a positive difference through a career in the Civil Service.