Joining a BSc Economics degree apprenticeship with the Government Economic Service (GES) offers unparalleled opportunities to simultaneously build skills, knowledge, and professional experience in the field of economics. The apprenticeship pathway is an opportunity to earn whilst you learn and broaden your opportunities in the profession. The government department I work in as an economist is the Office for National Statistics.
What do you get out of the programme?
- A fully funded degree level qualification in BSc in Economics with the University of Kent. This is studied online, giving you increased flexibility in when and where you study.
- A paid post in a government department for four years at the Executive Offer level. This post is then guaranteed for you at the next grade, after the end of the programme if you achieve a 2:1 or first-class honours.
- Working on real-life policy issues, producing economic datasets, and learning from experienced economists.
- Being involved in enriching experiences that you remember for a lifetime.
In just my first two years of the program, I've had the privilege of engaging in a diverse array of enriching experiences:
- Attending Events, such as the last two GES conferences, the Bristol Festival of Economics, seminars, and workshops. These are often funded by your departments and provide enlightening, valuable insights into current research projects, and economic debates. They also serve as networking opportunities that expand your professional horizons.
- Assessing prospective GES apprentices through Personal assessment, written assessment, and interviews. This is a massive aid for individuals wanting to build speaking skills and those preparing for a future interview for a post in the civil service.
- Attending the University of Kent’s Week-long residentials at the start of term one in each year of the four-year programme. This is a funded opportunity to socialise with your apprentice cohort and your tutors for the years to come. It is especially useful to first years on the programme, who develop relationships that can last for four years.
- Working across two areas in ONS: Labour Supply and Productivity. In short, this has allowed me to contribute to economic data production, get to grips with Labour Market data and then use these data sources as inputs into our productivity data.
- Working as a member of the GES Shadow Board for all economists across the government. This has been a highlight of my journey, it is a key part of our decision-making as a profession, that shapes the direction of the GES and its policies and activities through the member’s voice.
- Working on an ONS Junior Economist Newsletter with other junior economists in my organisation. This is an opportunity to lead a team and contribute articles on interesting economic topics that are in the news, such as the use of AI in the Labour Market and explanations of recent budgets delivered by the chancellor.
In conclusion, choosing a degree apprenticeship in economics offers a dynamic and enriching pathway to professional growth. Through a blend of academic learning and real-world experience, apprenticeships equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the field of economics. As I continue my journey, I look forward to further opportunities for learning, collaboration, and making continued meaningful contributions to the economics profession.
