Economist Review

I am an economic apprentice within DfT, my day-to-day role involves producing analytical content for submissions to ministers, analysing impacts of policies for impact assessments and reviewing other people's work. I interact with colleagues across the department from a wide range of professions as well as external contractors and cross government employees. I have been given a lot of responsibility since starting in September and have worked on some very high profile projects - HGV driver shortage, Ukraine crisis and MOT reforms to name a few.

The civil service is a big advocate for continuous development. I spend at least 8 hours a month on development, this includes internal and external training courses. I have also had the opportunity to shadow colleagues in other professions and areas of the department. My confidence and maturity has come on significantly since starting the apprenticeship, there is a lot of support to help you develop on whatever you're interested in!

I am really enjoying the apprenticeship and I am so glad that this is what I am doing. The work is really interesting, the DfT and the wider civil service has a great culture. I would say that your experience will depend on where you're allocated, I was lucky to be assigned to a young and social team which has hugely shaped my experience.

The programme is run by the University of Kent and we have had some issues with onboarding and inductions, but they are working on the feedback we have given. Both the uni and the employer are extremely supportive and aware that you're balancing a degree and a near full time job whilst trying to have a life outside! We get Fridays off to study and are given extra study days for exam periods.

The department and my team have been really supportive in my development and studying. My manager and team have helped in aspects of the university where I've struggled. I have a mentor within DfT and in Treasury who are helping develop professionally and personally. There is a lot of support available and it is easily and readily accessible.

We do not get a mentor or a tutor through the university however there are other forms of support which are promoted and available. There are weekly drop-in sessions for any concerns we may have, lecturers offer 1-1 sessions where needed / wanted and are always keen to help. The university also has a student support group which we have access to. There is also a student/uni feedback group where apprentice representatives feedback any concerns other apprentices may have and they listen and develop on suggestions provided.

Much of the university work that I've done so far hasn't been that relevant to my job role. The skills based modules such as data and maths as well as the policy module have been the most relevant in my day-to-day job and allow me to confidently perform in my role. Despite this, the less relevant modules have still been useful at developing the basic understanding of economics which is vital anyway.

So far I have been involved in a wide range of opportunities, including a table tennis social (Bounce London), a variety of cross government groups including travel, walking, picnic in the park, bowling and volunteering as well as some more professional networking events such as talks at the resolution foundation. The apprenticeship has a social committee who organise a variety of activities.

Yes

Why would you turn down the opportunity to get 4 years of economics experience in the civil service which is world renowned for its analysis, get a paid-for degree, whilst getting paid! Its a no-brainer to me! I've met great people, had great fun and I'm not in £50k worth of debt

The hardest thing I've found so far is balancing the work/study/life balance so be prepared for that and hence there is a lot of emphasis on this in the application process. The application process is based on the civil service skills and behaviours profile so do your research on this and think about STAR based answers. The interviewers are not there to mark you down, try and be as relaxed as possible because this will let your true self come out and this is what they want! Tip: During the interview if your asked a question and you're unsure which behaviour/skill it is aimed at, you can ask the interviewer and they have to tell you. Best of luck