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A group of students have expressed their feelings of exclusion from a prominent civil service internship program following recent reforms designed to attract more working-class individuals into government roles. The modifications now limit applications to individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, with the goal of enhancing the representation of society within the civil service and aiding the government in making more informed decisions. Four students, who aspire to work in the civil service after completing their studies, shared their perspectives on the changes with BBC News.
Adam Allen, a 20-year-old sociology and criminology student at the University of Warwick, previously hesitated to apply for the summer internship due to its perceived exclusivity. Concerned about not having the same advantages or personal networks as others, he questioned his ability to compete effectively. However, the revised internship program, which is expected to admit around 200 participants next year, has reignited Adam’s interest in pursuing a civil service career.
Nell Ashworth, a 21-year-old social policy student at the University of York, comes from a family where public service virtues were ingrained from a young age. Despite her eagerness to work for the civil service, the new eligibility criteria for the summer internship program based on parental occupations at age 14 have left her feeling uncertain. Nell, who recognizes the government’s efforts to increase diversity in the civil service, worries that individuals like herself who do not fit neatly into defined working-class categories may be dissuaded from pursuing public sector roles.
Hannah Begum, a 20-year-old politics and international relations student at the London School of Economics, is motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on society through her career. Growing up in Yorkshire, she believes that the internship reforms will provide valuable opportunities for individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds to enter the civil service. Hannah emphasizes the importance of having government representatives who reflect the diverse realities of the population they serve, acknowledging the controversy surrounding the reforms but stressing the necessity of granting equal opportunities to all individuals.
For Peter Murphy, a 21-year-old history student at the University of Cambridge, working in the civil service signifies a chance to serve his country and contribute to its betterment. The recent changes to the internship program left him feeling disheartened and alienated, as he fears that bright and dedicated individuals like himself are being overlooked in favor of arbitrary eligibility criteria. Peter’s deep sense of patriotism and commitment to civil service work drive his frustration with the perceived exclusion that the reforms have brought about, highlighting the importance of recognizing merit and dedication in government roles
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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