Apprentice economist Review

by Government Economic Service

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role involves anything from analysing economic data (modelling) to help formulate the government’s position for negotiating free trade agreements; to helping compile information/data for public impact assessments and comms products for when the department completes the free trade agreements.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes, I have learnt how to use excel and R. I have also learnt how to complete types of modelling (e.g. PE/gravity modelling) within work as well as running regressions as part of uni. I have also learnt soft skills by working with others internally and externally.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the programme thoroughly as I have been given the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting government policies. I have been able to apply what I learn in my uni degree to departmental work (and vice versa).

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The uni side of the apprenticeship is well organised, and we receive calendars and updates well in advance. The GES/departmental side has been poorly organised with hardly any information being provided on rotations and the end of the apprenticeship process. (Score is not a reflection on uni of Kent)

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

This varies upon your line manager/team and the stage you are at in the apprenticeship. I received lots of support in the first 2 years to help me develop skills/behaviours. From my third year I received more targeted support when I requested it.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I receive lots of support via the lectures/webinars. I can also email lectures for assistance as well as attending sessions with the senior tutor. Lastly i also have an apprenticeship adviser for further questions.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The qualification helps given the department completes lots of economic modelling, so it is good to have completed some maths/econometrics learning. In addition, it is especially useful to learn about macroeconomics given my department is focused on boosting economic growth.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes, mainly via the apprenticeship network where we hold socials monthly.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Government Economic Service to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The opportunities to work on some of the most interesting policies. The private sector can never have that same national impact that working in government does. You will be helping to improve millions of lives.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Government Economic Service?

Read the candidate pack carefully and don't be too down if it takes 2 attempts to pass!