Graduates and the unemployed are being encouraged to work in public services. The Civil Service is setting out its stall in a Carers Fair. The police are running a training scheme to bring unemployed people from the ethnic minorities up to the recruitment standard.’Creating the Future 2001′ will be held at the Westminster Central Hall in London on 31st July and 1st August. Some 20 departments, the Civil Service Fast Stream, District Audit and HM Prison Service will set out what they do and present a picture of the opportunities they offer. There will be a series of seminars to allow graduates to ask questions about the kind of work involved, a Ministers’ Question Time and an open forum where civil servants of minority ethnic origin will share their experiences of working in the Civil Service

Avon and Somerset Police are mounting a training programme to support black and Asian people on the New Deal scheme who want to become uniformed officers, but do not meet the minimum entry requirements. The scheme is due to start in August and will provide training and support, including physical fitness, shadowing police officers, self-defence and combat skills. Throughout their training, the potential officers will be supported by a mentor within the force and a New Deal personal adviser.