Application Process

To join us…

To get your career off to a flying start, we’ll ask you to take part in an online test and an assessment centre. But first, you’ll need to submit an online application. You’ll need to share details of the required qualifications and evidence of your previous skills and experience – feel free to include anything that you think may be relevant to the role. You’ll also need to answer three technical questions (250-word limit per question).

Please make sure you align your answers with the section entitled ‘The type of people we’re looking for’. The questions are:  

1. What are your reasons for applying for the Trainee Trade Development Programme?
2. What challenges do you expect to face in completing the two-year programme?
3. Sometimes you will be asked to complete work quickly and at short notice. How will you ensure that you are able to meet multiple deadlines?

As part of the online application process, you will also be asked a number of diversity-related questions. This is particularly important, as the information you provide when submitting your application will help us monitor our progress towards the Civil Service’s ambition of becoming the most inclusive employer. If you’d like to know more about this, then take a look at the Civil Service Diversity and  Inclusion Strategy .

If you have any issues with your online application, please get in touch with us on: [email protected]

What to expect from each stage of the assessment.

Throughout the application process, we will keep you informed on whether you have made the long and shortlist.

If you are long-listed, we’ll ask you to take part in an online video interview. This will consist of pre-recorded questions which have been designed to assess your strengths and behaviours, with a particular focus on ‘Developing self and others.’ You will need to provide recorded responses to these questions by approximately mid-May 2022, though we’ll confirm exact date with you closer to the time. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you have at least 5 days notice!

After receiving an acknowledgment that we have received your answers, a panel will then assess these to determine whether or not you should be put through to the shortlist.  

If you are placed on the shortlist, you will be invited to attend the Assessment Centre. Taking place in May 2022 (the exact date will be confirmed closer to the time), this will comprise of a number of group exercises, a written task and a blended interview. We will provide more details on this process for shortlisted applicants.   

We’re looking for character and ambition over experience-packed CVs. The role is open to non-graduates – all you need are five GCSEs – and it doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked in government or business before. We want people with good judgement and resilience who are keen to make a significant contribution to our work. You should also have some skills in persuading others and using data to make suggestions.

Current vacancies

For ongoing updates of relevant roles, you can register by searching on Civil Service Jobs. Simply create an account using the Sign In/Create an Account option, and register for notifications.