Apprentice Economist Review
at Government Economic Service
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis, Finance, Market Research
Westminster
Review Submitted: January 2024
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
4.2/5
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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 work in a team and individually to deliver analysis and policy options for different areas of Local Government Funding. I have performed literature reviews of economic papers to help determine whether there is economic and actual rationale to change the way we consider costs of running a local council. I report my work in meetings and in boards to senior colleagues.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
It is different to what I thought I was going to be doing after finishing A Levels, definitely a different experience to going to university! Now I have adjusted to working and studying, I really enjoy my apprenticeship, and have met many great people through both studying and working.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt how to effectively use Excel and R Studio to perform data and economic analysis.
I have developed my presentation skills by attending training sessions and practicing presenting my work.
I am encouraged to undertake development opportunities (Seminars, Workshops, Online Lessons...) to improve the quality of my work and to improve my employability skills
I have developed my presentation skills by attending training sessions and practicing presenting my work.
I am encouraged to undertake development opportunities (Seminars, Workshops, Online Lessons...) to improve the quality of my work and to improve my employability skills
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I find the structure of working four days a week, and then studying on the Friday very effective as I have allocated times to concentrate the different aspects of the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My manager and senior colleagues have been extremely supportive in my introduction to a corporate environment. I have felt very welcomed to my team which has made my work much more enjoyable. My manager is interested and considerate of the time I take to complete my university work and is always willing to make adjustments to my work to suit the modules I'm studying, and during exam periods, she is always happy to adjust my workload.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have an advisor I can ask any logistical questions to which is very helpful. My lecturers are very attentive to any questions or support we might need. We have weekly webinars when we can ask the lecturers anything regarding the academic content. The modules tie in well with our work as economists which means we get to apply what we learn to our work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My statistics module has been very helpful in my role as I do a lot of analysis. The theory-based modules are also helpful in understanding the rationale of different policies we work on. We are taught how to write in an academic and corporate context which helps when summarising work.
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
We regularly meet up as a team, on team days and lunches and after work- which is lovely! There are junior economist societies and events, and a women in economics group which hosts networking events and academic seminars. There are lots of sports teams to get involved with in the office, and there is a social committee which organise fun evening events for apprentices.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Government Economic Service to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a super friendly work environment, which focusses on development opportunities you can undertake to improve your skill set. This is perfect for an apprentice who is early in their career or looking to further develop their technical or professional skills. You can see the impact your work has on government policy which is very rewarding.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Government Economic Service?
Be yourself and show why you are interested in the job/ apprenticeship. Don't worry if you don't have all the skills, they are looking for your ability and willingness to learn!
