Apprentice Economist Review

I'm currently working in local growth analysis within the cities & local growth unit. Recently I have been providing quality assurance support, creating my own monitoring model which is being used to monitor structural and behavioural changes to cities. I have also had opportunities to write literature reviews, create maps to support analysis and champion a corporate objective.

This year I have learnt how to use advanced excel skills to produce quality analysis. I am also learning how to update dashboards in R, make maps in QGIS as well as creating dashboards in Power BI. There has been opportunities to improve oral & written communication to senior staff and policy colleagues.

So far I have been enjoying working in my current team and role. My line manager encourages me to push myself and provides me with the means to do so. My department has a positive workplace culture and are considerate of my faith. Colleagues at all grade levels are approachable.

As the first cohort to ever complete the programme, often guidelines can be unclear such as the end point assessment. However, teachers and mentors are supportive and answer questions via email. Colleagues in the workplace are also considerate when it comes to study days and the pressure of working and studying.

I have almost completed three years in the civil service and so far I have received a positive attitude with those I have worked with. My current manager is also enrolled onto a apprenticeship so we have a mutual understanding when it comes to the difficulties of working and studying.

My training provider is the University of Kent who are teaching the BSC economics degree. So far my teachers have been supportive and are accessible through email, phone or MS teams calls. I meet with my advisor every six weeks who asks me questions on skills and behaviours and this has been helpful in thinking about competencies.

To be a successful economist, an understanding of economics is required. My qualification, though not completed helps me to understand the economics behind public service. I have used theory taught in my degree to write a theoretical rationale for intervention in the national minimum wage impact assessment which has now been published.

There are a range of activities to get involved in at my workplace. This includes social events with the team such as bowling, darts and so on. There are also language classes within my department such as Spanish. In the past there have been charity initiatives and there are opportunities to volunteer.

Yes

I would recommend the GES to others because there is a good work and private life balance. There are many opportunities to pick up new skills and to work in a range of important policy areas. You also build a network of people who bring experience and expertise you can also learn from.

The application process was very clear and those present on my assessment day were reassuring and helpful. The selection process is not easy but I had a good experience from the online tests, to the written application and then the face to face assessment day. You receive examples for the online tests which are helpful.