Image source: GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
The Government Digital Service (GDS) has identified four digital roles to provide the early focus for its TechTrack digital apprenticeship scheme.
It said they will be aimed at filling skills gaps in government for software developers, DevOps engineers, business analysts and cyber security technologists for risk.
This comes shortly after the first cohort of 50 apprentices joined the TechTrack scheme, and as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted its importance to the future of government, saying it will take in 2,000 apprentices over the next five years.
GDS said the first intake, who joined in February, will be focused on the roles of software developer and DevOps engineer, and that they will be learning theory and putting their skills into practice from the beginning.
Powerful pipeline
Its strategic communications lead Angie Jones and digital capability programme lead Richard Kelly said: “This programme will bring in 2,000 talented apprentices into Whitehall departments by 2030, creating a powerful pipeline of digital expertise across government and comes alongside a wider announcement to nearly double the number of civil servants working in digital and data roles.
“Alongside the reskilling of thousands of existing civil servants, TechTrack represents a bold commitment to ensuring we have the critical skills needed to revolutionise public services through technology - generating opportunities nationwide and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.”
They added that the first cohort includes 70% of applicants coming from minority backgrounds and over 60% based outside of London.
GDS leads the TechTrack scheme, which is open for newcomers to the Civil Service and for reskilling existing civil servants.
It is expected to play a significant role in fulfilling the Government’s intention for one in 10 civil servants to work in tech and digital roles within the next five years.
