Care Leaver Internship Scheme

The award-winning Care Leaver Internship Scheme is designed to serve as a launchpad for young people leaving care, helping them build essential skills and gain valuable experience at the beginning of their careers.

As an intern, you will work at the heart of government, contributing to a wide range of policies and projects that shape the nation. This 18-month paid internship offers a unique opportunity to develop professionally, gain insight into the workings of government, and build a strong foundation for future employment.

Civil Service are looking for individuals with curiosity, motivation, and a desire to learn. While the internship lasts 18 months, we hope many participants will be inspired to pursue a long-term career within the Civil Service.

Tasks will vary depending on where you work and the grade to which you are assigned.

Administrative Officer

As an administrative officer you will be working in an administrative role within a team, with no Line Management responsibilities. You will usually work within a supportive team structure, following policy and procedures under the direction of team leaders.

Executive Officer

As an Executive Officer you will be involved in problem solving, business planning and policy making, at the very highest levels of government.

You’ll usually work within a supportive team structure, under the direction of relevant team leaders. You may also hold individual responsibility for pieces of work within a programme or project using your own initiative and following departments policy and procedures.

A major part of the role will be computer-based tasks and will use your communication and organisational skills in your everyday work.

In the job you may be asked:

• To take your own initiative with minimal supervision following departmental policy and procedures, knowing when to seek help.
• To identify priorities, resolving issues and manage your time effectively.
• To support the team to secure the most effective outcome.
• To manage diaries, arrange meetings and book meeting rooms.
• To effectively and accurately use multiple Microsoft applications and their functions.
• To provide effective customer service.
• Applicants must be aged 18-30 at the time of applying. Only those who are already 18 will be considered. 
• This scheme is open to applicants who were eligible for a leaving care support package when leaving care.
• Young People on Special Guardianship Orders who qualify for advice and assistance as per the Children Act are also eligible to apply. 
• Young people from Kinship Care, formal or otherwise, are not eligible for this scheme. 

No qualifications are required for this internship, however you will need to provide examples that clearly demonstrate the criteria listed.

You may be offered the option of an apprenticeship as part of your role and development depending on which department you are allocated to if successful.

Click for more information and how to apply –> Care Leaver Internship Scheme 2025