Apprentice Economist Review

Analysing secondary legislation by producing cost benefit analysis in excel, writing up methodology for submissions to ministers, attending meetings with policy colleagues, line manager and team, some outreach work related to the apprenticeship, quality assuring other people's economic analysis, commissioning data etc.

Many new skills including proficiency in excel, presentation and communication skills, problem solving, coding, economic analysis, project management, risk assessment creation and much much more!

Really enjoy the programme on the work side as I have been thrown into analysis from the outset which has been great, especially on relevant work aiding the zero emission vehicle mandate. The university part has been fine, pretty standard quality lecturers and work set. It can get very tight on time with assessments but overall definitely worth it and enjoying the experience.

At the moment the programme is well structured with apprentices getting their full learning allowance, the curriculum seems well organised with a logical learning path and having apprentice reps if there are any organisational/structural issues.

My line manager has been excellent at supporting me in the apprenticeship, providing me plenty of opportunity to complete study, do outreach work and do plenty of learning and development. However, I know it can depend on your manager and department placement.

Not much, but then I have never really struggled with anything. You can always ask lecturers to help you in a one- to - one or talk to your apprentice rep.

My degree is not very relevant to my role currently but I know I will need it to progress further in my career here

Yes- plenty of networking events within both my team and wider departmental networks, such as the environment network, gender equality network etc. There is a strong analyst community everywhere, with analyst awaydays and cascades to help build networks. There are social reps in my team that organise social events, and there is a dedicated team for wellbeing.

Yes

Really great opportunity to kickstart your career, where learning and development is prioritised. You are supported to get stuck in, make mistakes and learn from them, and can take on lots of responsibility if you are keen. The work experience and degree will help you stand out in applications and the pay is really good!

Look up the civil service skills and behaviours and write two instances in STAR format for each to show how you exemplify those ready for interviews. While in the assessment centre, read the prompts careful and be confident in yourself and your ability to present and argue your point of view. They are not expecting you to solve all the economic problems of the UK in 45mins, so just do the best you can and be confident when you present your point of view!