The first of two programmes.
Each year Whitehall recruits ' about 100 of the country's brightest graduates - batches of hopefuls come to Whitehall for two gruelling days.
What happens has never been filmed before. One is Tim Cooke , educated at comprehensive school and Oxford before joining the GLC. Will his background be an advantage?
Producer CHRIS curling Editor EDWARD MIRZOEFF
* CEEFAX SUBTITLES