Apprentice Economist Review
at Government Economic Service
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis
Westminster
Review Submitted: February 2024
Overall Rating
3.4 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
2.4/5
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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
Generally, I conduct in-depth economic analysis (for instance cost benefit analysis) used to decide on outcomes for Ministry of Justice programmes and policies. Namely programmes reducing homelessness after prison. I also manage how analysis should be carried out and presented amongst the team.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I completely enjoy my programme, I particularly enjoy the variation in work experience across departments and teams. I also enjoy the fact that I am earning a salary whilst I am gaining a degree. A downside of the programme is the pay disparity and the lack of quality organisation.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed many skills in my time on the apprenticeship, I had limited knowledge of MS Excel when I began but I am now an expert. As well as this, I had never attempted coding and I am now proficient in two coding languages for the production of analysis.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The organisation of the programme isn't ideal, mainly due to issues in communication between the place of work and the University of Kent. The structure of the programme is good, it makes sense although more often than not big changes are not communicated effectively and aren't properly justified.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have always tended to receive excellent support from my employer. Across my time there has always been a great understanding that my degree study comes first and that I have more to juggle than a typical employee. As well as this, my line manager has always tried to ensure that the work projects I carry out are specific to the skills and behaviours I need to evidence.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
This has been a big issue in my apprenticeship, lecturers tend to provide only enough learning material to meet a minimum standard, they almost never provide quality feedback (if any) and are very irresponsive and hostile to feedback.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The learning from the training provider is very rarely relevant to work project, with the exception of one or two modules that explained certain processes in more detail.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
The main extra-curricular activity at work is professional networking events and corporate roles. There is the occasional social event but due to colleagues being based across the UK, these are difficult to organise.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Government Economic Service to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst earning a good salary and developing skills for life, for those that are hesitant about university this is a perfect, if not better, alternative.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Government Economic Service?
Don't assume that you have to know loads about economics or the government beforehand. Whilst it can help, it certainly isn't a requirement. The other thing to note is that of course with an apprenticeship it can seem like you'll miss out on the social side that university brings - there are plenty of opportunities to socialise with other apprentices inside and outside of your department.
