Economist Review

I cost up policy options for disability benefit structural reform options.

I have developed my excel skills, allowing me to be competent in many different uses of excel: graphs, tables, formulas. I have also massively developed my stakeholder engagement skills, learning how to speak to those above me in an effective and respectful way.

I really enjoy the work that the programme provides. I am treated like any other member of staff and given far more responsibility than I imagined. That is not to say it is unsupported responsibility but instead guided and mentored into independence.

The work side is very well organised. The learning provider is not well organised at all - I understand it is a new course and so a lot of the details still need to be ironed out but there is little communication when it is needed most. This lack of communication is between apprentices and the university, but also our employer and the university.

the employer is great - they have a whole Apprentice team which supports us with all our queries. They also have monthly catch-ups where we can raise any issues, and they inform us of anything new that they know.

The university provides the education we need, however they do seem to forget about our working patterns. The lecturers also teach main stream students and so forget that we cannot go down to their office to ask any questions.

Not a lot. Some practical modules can help, such as the data analytics modules and then the policy analysis modules.

At work yes there is a large amount of social networking opportunities such as lunches, breakfasts and after work drinks. It would be nice to have more regional sports activities.

Yes

Overall, it is a good organsation to work under. You are always supported and the civil service is a large driver of learning and development.

Be yourself - they love diversity and its a safe place to work whoever you are.