Apprentice Economist Review

by Government Economic Service

Rating

7.8/10

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

I analyse and provide statistics on the workforce numbers of the NHS to parliament.

8/10

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

I've improved my excel skills and my ability to communicate confidently across to different people in different professions.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have really enjoyed working in my department and have a supportive team. The GES is less helpful and organised as part of the programme and the studying aspect is very challenging to manage alongside work. Overall it has still been a positive experience.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It is well structured and there is flexibility and huge amounts of support making it as smooth as possible as an apprentice. The process of being recruited was very delayed which was unnerving having turned down university places following a formal offer.

7/10

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

I am in a very supportive team and so I have found the transition from college to the job really smooth. Help and guidance is always available and there is a strong network of apprentices and economists in the department making it easy to find assistance.

10/10

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

The support from the university is readily available but I haven't used it too much. Although when I started late they were accommodating in helping me to catch up, however it is often difficult to stay on top if the work set.

7/10

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

My qualification doesn't particularly relate to my role as I am in an analyst role rather than an inherently economics role. There have been aspects such as the working with data on digital platforms module that have given me basic skills like in excel to help my daily role.

5/10

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.)

There are sports teams and choirs along with plenty of professional networks to get involved in. These networks are far reaching and often do away days amongst other things to keep in contact.

8/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

It's such a supportive place to work with lots of variability and it offers amazing opportunities.

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

Recruitment for the apprenticeships are looking for willingness to learn, self motivation and the ability to manage multiple different tasks at once. If you have a genuine interest in what you are applying for then it will be fine and part of the civil service values are wanting to do meaningful work. If enthusiasm to do that comes through in your application, you've got a good chance!