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

ReadyThe to tackle the big questions that shape our country’s future? The Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GESDAP) is) yourwas chancethe toUK’s divefirst straighteconomics intodegree meaningfulapprenticeship. It gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience whilst studyingreceiving for a fee-free economicsdegree degree. from The University of Kent. 

AsThe theprogramme UK’soffers firsta economicsunique degreeopportunity apprenticeship,to thiswork schemein offersa somethingcentral trulygovernment special:department or agency on some of the opportunitymost important tosocial, workenvironmental, onand issueseconomic thatissues our reallycountry matterfaces, –whilst fromstudying helpingfor a degree in economics. You could be working on issues like:   

• How can government support UK businesses thriveto compete in a competitivechanging globalworld?
• How market,can togovernment supportingsupport people to rebuildkick-start their lives after prison,prison?
• How tocan protectinggovernment ouract environmentto forprotect futurethe generations. 
  environment?

OnOur the GESapprentices Degreeusually Levelspend Apprenticeship, you’ll spend four days aper week working alongsidein experiencedtheir economistsgovernment department, and one day studying online with the University of Kent.  Our first cohort of apprentices graduated in 2023 and 97% achieved a government2:1 departmentdegree or agency,above!

Why thenapply dedicatefor onethe dayEconomics Degree Apprenticeship Programme?

Our Economics Degree Apprenticeship offers you a unique opportunity to onlineearn studywhile withyou the Universitylearn. Our apprentices benefit from: 

• A fee-free economics degree from The University of Kent. It’s hands-onKent
• A learningpaid government role
• Opportunities across England
• Meaningful work that putsmakes youa rightdifference whereto decisionssociety
• An areinclusive made,and givingdiverse you realworking experience thatenvironment
• A willpermanent setgovernment yourole apart. 
  upon successful completion

Our track

Why record speaksstudy foreconomics?

• It itselfteaches – 97%you ofthe ourskills recentto graduatingmake cohortwell achievedinformed adecisions 2:1and degree orsolve above.problems
• It This isn’t justis aboutalways getting arelevant qualification; it’s aboutas launchingit looks at the world around us
• It is extremely varied and leads to a careerwide whererange yourof workcareers, hassuch genuineas impactjournalism, onanalysis millionsand policy advisory
• It is one of people’sthe lives.
  highest paid professions

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:​

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

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

Eligibility requirements:​

• You need to have the right to work in the UK.​  UK.​ 

• You need to have resided inhave resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.​  apprenticeship.​ 

• You need to meet the the Civil Service Nationality Rules. ​   ​ 

• We do not offer sponsorship for this programme.programme.​ Please click here for more information

Where will you work?

Locations varyA accordingrange to government department butof therecentral aregovernment rolesdepartments acrossand England. Foragencies fullprovide details, pleaseapprenticeship seeplacements jobthrough descriptions whenthe applicationsprogramme. This year apprenticeships are open.available in Birmingham, Bristol, Darlington, Didcot, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Salford, Sheffield and Titchfield (Fareham). Locations vary according to government department. Please see individual job descriptions for details.

How much will you get paid?

Salaries areSalaries competitivevary and vary accordingaccording to department and location. Forlocations. fullPlease details, please see job descriptions whendescriptions applicationsfor aredetails. open.This is the minimum apprentices in the 2025 cohort would be paid: 

• London minimum £28,120 

• National minimum £26,337

Contact point for applicants  

GESR Recruitment Team: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk 

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