The DNE Eko Inspire & Attract team is thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Cabinet Office to support the Summer Internship Programme (SIP) and the Autism Exchange Internship Programme (AEIP). These initiatives offer students a unique opportunity to experience a career in the Civil Service through work placements in government departments for up to 12 weeks during the summer.
Our aim is to provide interns with meaningful experiences within the DNE, showcasing how our organisation integrates into the broader Civil Service. By aligning internships with the students’ career aspirations, we ensure they gain valuable insights and contribute to various facets of our work, fostering rich learning experiences.
We are delighted to share that the DNE Inspire & Attract Team received an overwhelmingly positive response from the wider DNE community in support of both SIP and AEIP. We submitted 11 bids to the Cabinet Office and are excited to announce that we have successfully secured 10 interns! This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing future talent.
What are the Objectives for the SIP & AEIP?
The objectives of the Summer Internship Programme (SIP) and the Autism Exchange Internship Programme (AEIP) are to:
- Enhance the Profile of Government Departments: Showcase the Civil Service as an employer that offers engaging and challenging work, while actively promoting diversity through tailored training experiences.
- Raise Awareness: Increase awareness of career and training opportunities within government departments and agencies, with a particular focus on the Fast Stream programme.
- Attract High-Calibre Candidates: Boost the number of top-tier candidates applying to the Fast Stream and other graduate programmes.
What happens next?
All the interns have now received welcome communications from their respective Line Managers and aim to have them fully onboarded into their business areas by the end of June. The next steps include arranging a Welcome Event which will provide an overview of each team the interns will be joining, as well as a broader introduction to the DNE.
After completing their work placements, interns will have the opportunity to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream. While applying for the Fast Stream is not mandatory, it represents an excellent outcome for SIP & AEIP interns, offering a pathway to a rewarding career in the DNE and Civil Service.
