The MOD Faststream
The Fast Stream Development Programme offers graduates with exceptional ability a means to make a flying start in the MOD. You have the opportunity for rapid development and accelerated promotion in varied, challenging and fulfilling careers.
There are two Fast Stream Development Programmes in the MOD - one for administrative appointments, the other for engineers and scientists.
Jobs
There are currently around 100 individuals on the MOD Fast Stream Development Programme. They work in a very broad range of areas experiencing as wide a range of the department as possible while on the Fast Stream, changing posts and working in completely different areas every year in order to do so. Many posts involve some servicing of the department of state function i.e. briefing senior officials and ministers, answering Parliamentary Questions, writing speeches, in whatever area the post is responsible for.
The MOD, unlike many other government departments, has executive responsibility and so actually provides defence, not just the policy on it. Fast Streamers therefore need to develop strong management as well as policy skills. Many areas are joint civilian/military and so working alongside the Services is a common theme. Many posts have the opportunity for extensive travel in the UK, Europe and further a field.
Examples of typical areas Fast Streamers work in are: overseas defence policy for a wide range of countries, in a Private Office team to a minister or senior official, defence procurement policy, planning and strategy for media issues, policy on public/private partnership investment issues, scrutiny of Navy equipment programme, policy on Scottish devolution defence issues, briefing for future aircraft systems requirements, policy towards our NATO allies, policy on Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts, financial planning of Army equipment programme, policy on Armed Forces personnel issues (including recruitment and equal opportunities).
Training
A broad range of development opportunities are available to supplement your on-the-job training throughout your Fast Stream career. You are allocated a mentor who is a member of the Senior Civil Service to provide help and advice. You will be encouraged to identify your career development needs, with help from your line manager, personnel management section and your mentor.
The training programme is an intensive one and includes training in areas such as communications skills, personal effectiveness, team building, leadership and management, the wider roles of Government, Parliament and the Civil Service and an appreciation of financial issues, as well as all the necessary induction to the department. You will learn about Defence policy and the role of the Armed Forces on a bespoke MOD Fast Stream five week course and have the opportunity to spend up to a month with the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force.
Each year's intake partake in their own project, for which they have a budget and full control. This begins with a team building course in the spring and culminates in the autumn with a presentation to Defence Ministers and senior officials. This enables individuals to get to know the MOD, their peers and to meet the senior members of the department.
Promotion
Accelerated promotion depends on performance, but typically will be four to five years from joining the scheme.
Locations
Fast Streamers are initially likely to spend a large proportion of their careers in London. A number work in the Defence Procurement Agency in Bristol, usually during their first year, and there is scope for work in other areas of the country and overseas, as well as secondment to other government departments.
Further Information and How to Apply
The MOD Administrative Fast Stream is part of the Home Civil Service Fast Stream which includes a wide range of government departments. Further information on the Home Civil Service Fast Stream can be found on the Home Civil Service Fast Stream website.
Defence Engineering and Science Group The MOD recruits engineering and science graduates into the Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG). The DESG is a community of 9,000 professional civilian engineers and scientists working across the MOD Civil Service, including DSTL, to equip and support UK Armed Forces with the Military Capability they require in order to be effective.
The range of DESG Schemes include:
The DESG Graduate Scheme - This is a direct entry route after the final year of the degree. The graduate scheme consists of up to two years of structured training and development, leading to the first professional post. The DESG Graduate Scheme is probably the best in the country for Engineers and Scientists and has been held in high regard throughout industry for almost thirty years. The Scheme is accredited by all the major Professional Bodies (IMechE, IET, RINA, IMarest, IoP, RAeS) and offers an accelerated route to Professional Registration.
The DESG student sponsorship scheme - This scheme sponsors undergraduate engineers and scientists enrolled on a relevant accredited degree course. A bursary is paid annually and the students are required to undertake paid placements during the summer vacation relevant to their professional development. Sponsorship can be obtained during the first year at university or mid-course.
The Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) - This Scheme offers sponsorship to a limited number of Undergraduates who are either commencing, or part way, through an approved science or engineering degree at Aston, Birmingham, Loughborough, Newcastle, Northumbria or Southampton Universities. DTUS is similar to the student sponsorship scheme, but is designed to develop leadership and team working skills alongside the British Armed Forces and a deeper understanding of the military environment through commitment to the Universities dedicated squadron.
The Defence Sixth Form College, Welbeck - The College has become one of the UK's top sixth form colleges with an outstanding academic reputation. Welbeck teaches a science and technology based A-level curriculum designed to prepare students for a technical degree at a leading UK university, providing a head start into training for a career as an Officer within the Armed Forces or MOD Civil Service.
Further Information and How to Apply
The Defence Engineering & Science Group (DESG) is not an organisation but a virtual community of Engineers & Scientists working throughout the MoD Civil Service.
Further information on the Defence Engineering & Science Group can be found on the DESG website, please see the link to the right of this page.