Last year's six-strong programme will be expanded to 20

Recruitment for the Whitehall's Technology in Business fast stream is now starting, expanding on last year's pilot programme.

The 2006 scheme recruited six people as part of the IT professionalism agenda being championed by the Cabinet Office eGovernment Unit. There are 20 places on this year's scheme.

Technology fast streamers will work in major central government departments and receive on-going training and development.

Gillian Merron, the Minister for Transformational Government, said: "I am delighted that the Technology In Business Fast Stream has been set up to ensure Britain's best and brightest graduates are given the opportunity to apply their skills to Whitehall's complex and exciting IT projects."