The programme has been recognised for three awards this year. It received a Rate My Placement Best Diversity in Work Experience Award 2012 (winner) and a National Council for Work Experience (Public Sector) Award 2012 (highly commended). In addition, the Coaching Programme, that forms a part of the internship, was highly commended for the Mentoring Award category of the prestigious Race for Opportunity Awards 2012.
SDIP is aimed at black and minority ethnic students and those from lower socio-economic groups, and is the only centrally coordinated opportunity of its kind in the Civil Service. Applicants should be in their penultimate or final year of university. (This can include postgraduate studies immediately following first degree.)
SDIP participants spend about two months in one of the major government departments, where they enjoy a unique insight into the work of the Service. The experience they gain in this way is invaluable for those considering an application to the Fast Stream, the Civil Service graduate talent management programme. 94 per cent or participants on the 2012 scheme said they would recommend SDIP to other students.
A particularly attractive feature of SDIP is the opportunity for its participants to compete for a place on an intensive coaching programme, designed specifically to enhance their chances of success in the Fast Stream selection process.
For further information about the Fast Stream Programme and the selection process please visit the Fast Stream website www.civilservice.gov.uk/faststream
