Apprentice Economist Review
at Government Economic Service
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
London
Review Submitted: April 2022
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am part of the economics and modelling team and my role largely consists of conducting analysis on long term infrastructure policy, assisting on researching and drafting publishable papers and using quantitative analysis techniques to help the organisation produce recommendations to government
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the challenge of tackling real-world issues and collaborating with very senior colleagues on a range of different projects. I also enjoy working in a small organisation, as it gives me more exposure to senior staff.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt how to draft in a way that is expected of civil servants; I have learnt how to use data visualisation software including Tableau; I have developed my communication skills and team-working skills
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The induction was very structured and informative. The mandatory training sessions the organisation provides are very useful and are held within the first 6 months of working. My work/study schedule is also very easy to follow and I receive a lot of support from my manager and the university.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
A great deal. Through regular 1:1 sessions and team catch-ups, I am always encouraged to speak what's on my mind and to discuss freely any challenges that I'm facing. I also have an apprenticeship advisor who available to discuss any challenges I may have at university.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Relative to my manager, not as much. This is because I only spend 20% of my working hours studying, and most of this is very straightforward and completed independently. However, I do prefer this light-touch approach from the provider as it gives me freedom to study at my own pace.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I am only 6 months into my apprenticeship, however I have learned a great deal about the Civil Service and economics and have had the opportunity to build a number of transferable skills. I have also been able to apply my academic knowledge into practice.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes. For example, I have joined the apprentice reps. There are also social events hosted by apprentices and virtual events held by the university all year round.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Government Economic Service to a friend?
Yes
Why?
If you are considering a degree in economics, joining the apprenticeship programme is the smartest and most practical option. You will not be in debt after graduating, you will earn while you learn and you will have 4 years of experience as a government economist!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Government Economic Service?
Be aware that this is not your typical university application. The process is long and receiving news of whether your application has been successful also takes a while. However, an advantage is that no prior knowledge of economic is required and drive, rather than experience is valued.
