1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Currently, my day to day role is based around leading a project which once complete will be published on the ONS website. As part of this I speak to stakeholders across the ONS and wider government, communicate with my team, plan what needs to be done, and complete analysis.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt and developed a lot in my 2 years on the programme so far! My communication skills have massively improved to the point where I am confident enough to present my work to senior economists within the ONS. I have also developed my excel skills and started to learn R, Python and SAS.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the mix of work and university and applying what I have learnt in one to the other. I have also enjoyed meeting so many people through the programme and being able to learn constantly.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well structured so we know what will happen with work and university when. It differs depending on where you work but within ONS we rotate teams every year and then after two years we will move to another government department for the final 2 years to gain different experiences.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My employer is very supportive. In both of the teams I have worked in everyone has understood when I need to take extra study days to revise and if they have experience in the module I am studying they have offered me support and assistance with my university work. Everyone is so supportive if I don’t understand anything at work or if I have lots of questions.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The lecturers have always offered extra support if needed and are quick to answer questions. They make it clear when exams are and what we need to do to do well in them.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My qualification has supported me in understanding the economy overall better which has helped me gain a wider perspective for my work. The university side of the programme has also helped me with my excel, mathematical and programming skills significantly which I have been able to apply in the work setting

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are professional networking events which I have been a part of. I have been part of the Apprentice Networking group, the women in economics network. I have also participated in several coffee roulettes within the ONS and one set up for our scheme which are really useful to get to know people you may not talk to regularly.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Office for National Statistics to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It’s a really friendly and supportive place to work with lots of opportunities and interesting projects to work on.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Office for National Statistics?

I would say to be yourself, which I know everyone tells you to do but it’s true. Also, make sure you read through the job advert you are applying for thoroughly.

Apprentice Economist Review

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Apprentice Economist - EO

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