Apprentice Economist Review

My role is incredibly dynamic and varied. A normal day structure could be: reviewing my inbox and messages (making note of anything urgent); responding to anything urgent; planning the day; engaging with relevant stakeholders; economic analysis; development opportunities including corporate workstrands or initiatives; catch up with line manager and/or a senior economist; and a lot more...

The learning curve in the first two years so far has been incredibly steep. I've learnt: working in Excel including manipulating Excel formulae; a bit of R and PowerBi; communication and writing skills; to present virtually to a varied audience; how to take notes and summarise information; a lot about the Department of Health and Social Care and the Government in general; a lot about health and economics issues; and so much more.

The programme is challenging and to even get into the GESDAP won't be an easy feat. When I applied, there were approximately 3,000 applicants and only about 65 were offered the role. Probably one of the best things about it, is the calibre of people you are working with. I could not praise more my team, directorate and Director General group. Moreover, I am now considering doing a Masters once I graduate, as the benefits and rewards are very much worth fact that you have little free time to yourself during those 4 years of full time study and work.

Programme is well thought and designed, however it's not as flexible in terms of the optional modules because the Government dictates some of the structure and what they want the University of Kent to teach us to make it very applicable. The programme offers a robust framework in terms of thinking and analysis, decision and policy making, Maths and Stats, Econometrics and economic theory (Macro and Micro). The support from the providers, line manager and own team, apprenticeship advisor, GESDAP grade manager and others gives students the ability to succeed and overcome all the challenges given by working and studying simultaneously.

My employers is amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better department than the Department of Health and Social Care. I've worked for other Government departments previously, and DHSC wins by a country mile. My line manager (in fact I've had three-four different line managers in less than two years, a bit of a crazy ride!) is incredibly supportive and genuinely interested in my personal development and professional growth, and so is my entire team! This will sound too good to be true, but I'll give my team 10 out of 10 as I cannot fault them! You get protected time off to study, and in general you get all the support you need to succeed and develop as much as you want.

I meet regularly with my apprenticeship advisor. Moreover, I meet regularly with my GESDAP grade manager and infrequently with the senior tutor whenever I've got questions or need a chat for any reason that might be. The University of Kent considers the views of students, and the School of Economics regularly seeks feedback, acts on it and constantly reviews their ways of doing things by involving us and trying to accommodate and innovate as much as possible and within reasons.

I never worked in Excel previously. Not only this, but now I consider the wider context and have got into the mindset of analysing and thinking critically, be it mathematically, statistically, reasoning etc. My skills have tremendously been improved and my knowledge and performance sees improvement from month to month, and quarter to quarter. This qualification will only be the starting point. I will continue much further (or at least that's the plan), but so far I am (and so are the other students) empowered to achieve great things and am on the right track, and pleased with the progress and so are my line manager, team, apprenticeship advisor and others

Yes, loads of social activities, professional networking events, you name it. Each cohort also has a number of representative students who often organise stuff, alongside the University of Kent, or the School of Economics. Each Department has their own events, corporate contributions, volunteering opportunities, so it's only up to you to get involved and make a difference!

Yes

I've had many good and rewarding jobs in my life (I'm a mature student!) in 3 different countries, but this is by far the best no question about it. It's a combination of the things, skills and experiences I'm gaining while getting paid (a very high salary if you ask me!), and also getting to work with amazing people, while creating solutions to real economic issues that need solving not only in the UK but worldwide! A+

GO FOR IT!! I mean it! Most people won't get it, but I would apply at least once! Look at the Success Profiles, and also make sure you read and follow the steps and instructions given at each stage of the process. I'd recommend that you seek the views of someone qualified or that has gone through a lot of interviews (in particular helpful to speak to a Civil Servant if you know any) especially when you put in your application. I didn't discuss with anyone my application, but in hindsight getting a second or third opinion can be beneficial, in particular if you ask qualified people or someone that is critical thinking oriented.