The Government Economic Service Degree Level Apprenticeship

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

The Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GESDAP) iswas the UK’s first economics degree apprenticeship. It gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience whilst receiving a fee-free degree from The University of Kent. 

The programme offers a unique opportunity to work in a central government department or agency on some of the most important social, environmental, and economic issues our country faces, whilst studying for a degree in economics. You could be working on issues like:   

• How can government support UK businesses to compete in a changing world?
• How can government support people to kick-start their lives after prison?
• How can government act to protect the environment?

Our apprentices usually spend four days per week working in their government department, and one day studying online with the University of Kent.  Our first cohort of apprentices graduated in 2023 and 97% achieved a 2:1 degree or above!

Why apply for the Economics Degree Apprenticeship Programme?

TheOur GESDAPEconomics Degree Apprenticeship offers you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. Our apprentices benefit from: 

• A fee-free economics degree from The University of Kent
• A paid government role
• Opportunities across England
• Meaningful work that makes a difference to society
• An inclusive and diverse working environment
• A permanent government role upon successful completion

Why study 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
• It is 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

The 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. The programme is delivered via blended learning and a mixture of distance and face to face teaching, 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

Academic requirements:​

• Minimum

  You must have a minimum of five GCSE (including Maths at grade B (6)(Level 6) or above and English Language at C (4)(Level 4) or above)above. orOr equivalentequivalent. 

• Minimum

  You must have, or expect to a gain a minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies)

• WeStudies. don’tCalculate expectyour youUCAS toTariff havePoints. studied economics previously, but we are keen to know what interests you now​ 

Eligibility requirements:​

• You canneed checkto how many UCAS points you have by using the UCASright Tariffto Calculatorwork atin https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator.the UK.​ 

• IndividualsYou will also need to demonstrate that they have resided in the UK for at least the previous three3 years before the start of the apprenticeship,apprenticeship.​ 

• You meetneed theto relevantmeet immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality RulesRules. (CSNRs). Nationality​ 

• We requirementsdo arenot explainedoffer insponsorship morefor detailthis onprogramme.​ Please theclick Civilhere Servicefor nationalitymore rules webpage.information

Where will you work?

A range of central government departments and agencies provide apprenticeship placements through the programme. This year apprenticeships are available in Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Croydon, Darlington, HarwellDidcot, (Oxfordshire), Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Salford, Sheffield, Titchfield (Fareham),(Fareham) Wolverhampton, York.

Locations vary according to government department. Please see individual job descriptions for details.

How much will you get paid?

Salaries vary according to department and locations. Please see job descriptions for details. This is the minimum apprentices in the 20242025 cohort would be paid:paid: 

• London minimum £26,780£28,120 

• National minimum £24,000£26,337

Join our virtual candidate Q&A session 

PleaseWe seewill individualbe jobholding descriptionsa Q&A session for salaryanyone details.considering applying. You will be able to hear from current apprentices and ask any questions about the programme and the application process. Joining details are below: 

Wednesday 18 December, 4.30-5.30pm, Microsoft Teams – click to join the meeting

Contact point for applicants  

GESR Recruitment Team: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk 

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