Technology In Business Fast Stream

Government use of technology has an impact in every area of society - even our activities in international aid and development are dependent on it - and we handle some of the biggest IT challenges in the world. Education. Social Welfare. Criminal Justice. These are just some of the uses your ideas can be put to when you’re working in the Technology in Business (TiB) Fast Stream.

As a TiB Fast Streamer, you will undertake a series of intensive placements, and will get to work with technology leaders across the public sector. The placements will be tailored so that you develop skills across a number of different IT areas. The aim is for you to become a technology leader yourself, potentially leading large-scale, IT-enabled business change. Your time on the programme will begin with a short induction event, which will introduce you to the Civil Service and the role and responsibilities of a Fast Streamer. You will also take part in a specially developed Technology Foundation Programme. This will help you develop your understanding of the business drivers in the public sector and the political and social dimensions that drive change.

During your placements, your training will be geared towards helping you understand the business of the organisation you have joined, while also learning the technical skills and management competencies you will need to become a manager in a technology-related role.

You will also receive the formal training needed to be successful in a project environment. This includes practical experience of developing IT-enabled solutions for frontline staff or working on projects to develop new services for the public and business.

To help ensure you get the most out of the experience, you will be appointed a mentor who can help you shape your career development and provide you with ongoing support. Your personal mentor will be able to advise you on learning opportunities and the sort of experience you need to gain to develop a successful career in Government IT.

Another important part of your development will be the opportunity to network with the wider public sector IT professional community, and with operational and policy peers in central government departments.

A career in the TiB Fast Stream does not only mean London. Many challenging opportunities are available in other locations, such as Warrington, East Kilbride and Darlington, which offer a unique perspective that London-based Fast Streamers do not see.

Even those in London are expected to be mobile and to work wherever their departments need them. Remember too that in order to gain the all-important experience of operational delivery or corporate services, you may well have to work in more than one location. There are large IT departments based across the country, and TiB Fast Streamers are increasingly being deployed to work away from large London headquarters.

What are we looking for?
To apply, you will need to have achieved or be predicted to achieve at least a 2:1 degree or postgraduate degree. As well as having the key competencies we look for in all our Fast Streamers, you will need:

• a strong interest in technology (though your degree does not necessarily need to be IT related)
• the aptitude to understand and use technology
• an appreciation of how technology can change Government’s ways of working and interaction with citizens and businesses

Would you like to download a copy of the Technology In Business Fast Stream brochure? (pdf)