The Government Economic Service Degree Level Apprenticeship

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In partnership with Amazing Apprenticeships we recently held a GES Degree Apprenticeships Programme 2023 Webinair on 7 December 2022. The recording of the event is now available to watch online. Please view here GESDAP Webinar

What is the Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GESDAP)?

• The GESDAP is an opportunity to work in a central government department or agency on some of the most important social, environmental and economic issues our country faces – while studying for a degree in economics with the University of Kent.

• Shape a career that fits you! This programme allows you to figure out which area of Economics you love! Economics is a broad subject that can be applied across so many sectors. Your degree and practical experience will help you understand all of the opportunities that are open to economists.

• It’s also an opportunity to work in an inclusive and social environment. We want everyone in the Government Economic Service (GES) to feel comfortable to come to work as themselves. We have a culture that supports all, no matter their background or ambitions. You will have the opportunity to be part of a fun community, with many social events and plenty of chances to make friends with both students and other colleagues.

Why Economics?

• It teaches you the skills to make well informed decisions and solve problems
• It is always relevant as it looks at the world around us
• Extremely varied and leads to a wide range of careers, such as journalism, analysis and policy advisory
• It is one of the highest paid professions

What do your current Apprentice Economists have to say on the GESDAP?

Study with the University of Kent

University of Kent was selected to deliver the programme because of the strength of their economics courses and the support they offer to apprentices throughout the programme. This will be delivered via blended learning, a mixture of distance and face to face learning, so there is no need to travel to the University regularly. On successful completion, you will gain an economics degree and four years’ experience of working in the Civil Service setting you up to build a brilliant career as an economist.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum of five GCSE (including Maths at grade B (6) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent
• Minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies)
• We don’t expect you to have studied economics previously but we are keen to know what interests you now

You can check how many UCAS points you have by using the UCAS Tariff Calculator at https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Individuals will also need to demonstrate that they have resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship, meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage.

Where will you work?

A range of central government departments and agencies will provide apprenticeship placements through the programme – which will offer students a starting salary of about £23k in London and a minimum of £20k nationally. The GESDAP has vacancies in London and nationwide. Please see GES DAP 2023 Job Description Pack for further details on possible vacancy locations.