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Executive Officer
Contract type
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Type of role
Economist
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About the job
Job summary
As an apprentice economist, you will be joining a community of over 2000 economists across more than 30 organisations across the Civil Service.
The range of opportunities open to you through the Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship programme (GES-DAP) is huge. You could be working in government departments responsible for business, energy, justice, education, or the environment.
You will have the opportunity to improve the world you live in working on issues like:
- How government can support small businesses to grow.
- How government can support UK businesses to compete in a changing world.
- How government can support people to kick-start their lives after time in prison.
- How government can act to protect the environment .
Economics and economists are contributing to the very biggest decisions that the country faces. They help senior leaders make the best decisions by providing them with the analysis and advice they need.
Please see the attached candidate pack for more information or visit our GES-DAP website Government Economic Service Degree Level Apprenticeship Programme.
Job description
As an apprentice economist, you will be studying for a degree in economics whilst putting your economic learning to direct use in the workplace by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the Civil Service. With continuous support you will prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.
Economics is the study of allocating limited resources between unlimited wants. The Government Economic Service provides rigorous, relevant, and impactful economic analysis to inform government decisions, for example, negotiating new trade deals, supporting regional growth or managing the UKs debt.
A Government Economic Service (GES) apprenticeship will take the form of four years undertaking the Level 6 Professional Economist standard, including a BSc Economics Degree. At the same time, you will be working in a team of economists and other analysts in a government department, supported by a manager and a buddy.
As part of your degree, your learning will be a mixture of online and face-to-face teaching with a residential week each year at the University of Kent in Canterbury. The department you work in will make any necessary travel arrangements for you to attend in-person events with the University of Kent from your office location.
The BSc Economics Degree will be comprised of:
- Microeconomics; how individuals and firms make decisions, interaction of supply and demand.
- Macroeconomics; how the economy works at a national and international level.
- Econometrics; the use of data to test theories and evaluate changes in government policies.
Working as a member of the GES involves the development and use of:
- Quantitative skills: manipulating and presenting data.
- Writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers.
- Applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform decisions on anything from the environment to transport.
Successful completion of the End Point Assessment will guarantee you permanent employment in the GES.
Person specification
Resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.
Individuals will also need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Please see below Nationality Requirements for more information.
Desired skills
Well organised, able to prioritise and work to deadlines.
Able to understand and explain complex information verbally and in writing.
Able to use IT, including Microsoft Office including Excel, Office and Outlook.
Able to solve problems, establishing issues and advantages and disadvantages of different options.
Able to work independently and as part of a team working towards a common goal.
Able to think critically and question things.
Personal qualities
Understanding of what a degree in economics entails, commitment to completing the apprenticeship over 4 years.
Interest in government and current affairs.
Keen to learn and develop.
Not required but flexible to travel within the UK.
If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link Security Vetting and Clearance Guidance
Qualifications
Minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g., CCC at A Level or equivalent qualification, not including General Studies)
(or expected to achieve by August 2024)
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
Learning and development tailored to your role.
An environment with flexible working options.
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
A Civil Service pension.
Minimum of 25 days Annual Leave.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Stage 1: Register
Complete short application form. You will need to provide some personal details and confirm your eligibility for the apprenticeship. Please read the information in the candidate pack.
Stage 2: Online tests
You will undertake up to three Civil Service Online tests, (verbal, judgement and numerical). These tests are not timed, meaning you can take as long as you need to complete them, However, the overall deadline for applications still has to be met.
Stage 3: Personal statement
Please complete the full application form including a personal statement of no more than 1000 words. Your statement should include the following:
1. Why you are interested in the apprenticeship;
2. How you are planning to balance work and study;
3. How you are planning to keep yourself motivated and keep track of your performance.
Stage 4: Sift
If successful at Online tests, you will be sifted on your personal statement.
Stage 5: Assessment Centre
Candidates passing the sift stage, will be invited to an assessment centre, with assessments taking place virtually. The assessment is split into two parts: written assignment and presentation with an interview.
If you are successful, you will be offered a place on the apprenticeship subject to obtaining satisfactory grades, references and passing security checks.
All candidates will be offered a role based on merit. Location preferences will be taken into consideration but are not guaranteed. Please take note that due to the limited number of posts available in specific locations, successful candidates may be offered roles in nearby towns. It is important for candidates to note that many of the roles are located outside of London.
Additional guidance will be given before each stage of the process.
Overview of the timeline:
13 December 2023 – Registration opens, and online tests begin
12 February 2024 – Scheme closes at 23:55 pm GMT
February to March 2024- Sift period. Candidates will find out whether they have been successful at the sift stage and will be invited to an Assessment Centre
March to April 2024 – Assessment Centre (Written assignment)
April 2024 Assessment Centre (Presentation and Interview)
Please take note that the timeline may change from time to time.
For further information on the selection process, please see the Candidate Pack.
Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, individual feedback will only be provided if you attend the assessment centre.
Q&A Sessions
There will also be 2 Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions with the GES Recruitment Team and current apprentices, to discuss the application process and the experience of working as an apprentice in government.
Dates:
- Tuesday 19th December 2023 from 12:00 noon to 13:00 pm
- Wednesday 24th January 2024 from 13:00pm – 14:00pm
19th December 2023:
Click here to join the meeting
Place: Virtual, on Microsoft Teams.
24th January 2024:
Click here to join the meeting
Place: Virtual, on Microsoft Teams.
Please take note that though the GESR Recruitment team normally work Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, they will not be available from 22nd December 2023 to 2nd January 2024. Enquiries sent during this period will be answered in the New Year.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : GESR Recruitment Team
- Email : gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact GESR by email at: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
