Apprentice Economist Review
at Government Economic Service
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
2.9 /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!
2/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
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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:
2/5
Conduct quality assurance and economic scrutiny for internal and external stakeholders. Provide administrative support in the coordination of economic scrutiny.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
I enjoy it when I meet/exceed expectations. Unfortunately, expectations of me seem too low, or even absent.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Yes, I have learnt the basics of economics, and more advanced ways to use MS Excel and Word.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The academic terms are a good length, and the study required just about fits into the working week. I have been tasked with the simpler work to begin with, and I understand I will be introduced to the more complex work in due course.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
I am offered many opportunities for development, both professionally and personally. However, learning from these optional activities is limited, as they seem surplus to the requirements of my duties. Sometimes, even my workload seems surplus to the requirements of my employer. This makes the job feel unrewarding.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Lecturers are always very responsive and helpful, even if their teaching ability is often variable.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Quite well. I have frequently applied economic theory in my role. I am yet to meaningfully utilise knowledge of excel and statistics, however.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes, I believe so.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Government Economic Service to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The offers of a good salary and a free degree just about outweigh the negatives of working in a job that arguably need not exist.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Government Economic Service?
Seek coaching from existing civil servants. The process is very impersonal, therefore prior knowledge of corporate terminology and assessment methods is very helpful in shaping answers to their criteria.
