Talented students in Southampton will be given the opportunity to take part in a fast-track course and work in the civil service.

A team of diplomats from the Foreign and Commonwealth office (FCO) will join civil servants from a mixture of government departments in a bid to attract high-performing graduates to apply for an intense programme.

The Civil Service Fast Stream Roadshow will take government workers to universities across the UK, where they will be explaining what life is like in the diplomatic and home civil services, what opportunities serving the UK at home and overseas can offer and explain a range of career paths and experiences to the students.

The fast stream programme has been developed for graduates with the potential to become leaders in the civil service and takes applicants through an intensive course covering various areas of the government such as education, economy, foreign affairs and health.

Menna Rawlings, from the FCO, said: “We have a huge amount to offer talented graduates. From 270 diplomatic posts in 160 countries around the world we strive to keep Britain safe, improve our economic prosperity and support British nationals overseas.

“We offer exciting, challenging careers and our staff make a difference at home and overseas. Perceptions of the FCO as a stuffy and elitist institution are out of date. We have high standards, and want to continue to recruit the brightest and the best.”

The roadshow will be at the University of Southampton on Wednesday, October 22 where students will be able to listen to the speakers and have a Q & A session.