A group of 200 school leavers are today starting civil service apprenticeships, as part of the government’s Fast Track Apprenticeship scheme.

The initiative, which was launched in 2013, is open to 18 to 21 year-olds who are interested in a career in the civil service but don’t want to go to university.

The government hopes it will create more opportunities in the civil service for young people from all backgrounds, enabling them to earn while they learn, and develop their skills within government.

The fast track apprentices will take part in a two-year training programme to develop their skills, and will be placed in executive officer roles, with opportunities to work with ministers in Whitehall.

At the end of the scheme, they will be able to apply internally as permanent employees within the civil service.

“It’s important that schemes like this get the recognition they deserve, marking a clear step away from the barely concealed snobbery around vocational education," said deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

“Apprentices make a fantastic contribution to our society and I want young people from every background to know that if they choose to pursue their career in the civil service, work hard and prove themselves, nothing should stop them from making their way right to the top.”

Sir Jeremy Heywood, cabinet secretary and head of the civil service, added that the scheme enables them to draw on a broader talent pool for the future leaders of the civil service.

“For the apprentices we are welcoming today, this is the start of an exciting journey on which they will develop the skills and experience they need for a career in the civil service and a chance to make a difference.”

Places on the scheme have doubled since its launch in 2013, and the government plans to double it again next year to 400. Nearly 3,000 people applied for this year's scheme, an increase of 30% on last year.