Meet - Government Economic Service
We are the Government Economic Service (GES), the professional body for economists in the Civil Service. With over 3,500 members, we are the largest recruiter of economists in the country.
We recruit student, graduate, and apprentice economists and support their professional development in more than 50 government departments and in locations across the UK.
The Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GESDAP) is the UK’s first economics degree apprenticeship. We will give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst receiving a fee-free degree awarded by The University of Kent.
Apply if you want to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of UK citizens and work alongside other change-makers across the country.
Skills we look for
What makes us a great employer
Generous annual leave
We offer 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays. You also get an extra paid day off work for the King’s birthday.
Health, well-being and discount schemes
We provide a range of schemes, memberships, and well-being discounts to help you feel healthy and supported, in and outside of work. Things like:
- Discounted gym memberships
- Retail discounts
- Cycle to Work schemes
- Reward and Recognition vouchers
- Technology and smartphone discounts
- A Financial Well-being portal
Flexible working
Flexible working patterns allowing you to vary the length of your working day, as long as you work your total monthly full time contracted hours.
Generous pension scheme
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector.
Apprenticeships Details
Government Economic Service Degree Level Apprenticeship
The Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship (GES DAP) is the first economics degree apprenticeship in the country. It’s a unique opportunity to earn a fee-free economics degree, whilst working in a paid government economics role. Our apprentices work on some of the most important issues our country faces. This could be questions like:
- How can the government support small businesses to grow?
- How can the government support people to kick-start their lives after prison?
- How can government act to protect the environment?
How does the apprenticeship work?
Apprenticeships are offered across England. Typically, our apprentices spend 4 days per week working in their government department, and 1 day studying online with the University of Kent.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will gain an economics degree (with no tuition fees to pay back), four years’ work experience in the Civil Service, and a guaranteed permanent government role. This sets you up to build a brilliant career as an economist.
A successful programme
Our first cohort of economics degree apprentices graduated in summer 2023. An incredible 97% achieved a 2:1 degree or above!
Applying for our Apprenticeships
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Start
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1
To begin your application you will need to create an account on Civil Service Jobs.
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2
You will need to have access to a laptop/desktop computer.
You may be required to complete two online tests: Verbal and numerical tests. If you meet the minimum requirement after completing the first test you will move to the next test.
More information on how to prepare and practice tests are available here.
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3
If you meet the minimum requirements of the online tests, you will be invited to complete a personal statement (1000 words max). Your statement should include the following:
- Why you are interested in the apprenticeship
- How you are planning to balance work and study
- How you will keep motivated and track your performance
You must complete steps 1 to 3 before the deadline which will be available on to apprenticeship advert.
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4
If you are successful at the online tests and the personal statement sift, you will be invited to the assessment centre. As part of the virtual assessment centre, we will evaluate your suitability for the job in two sections through a combination of tasks and activities. Initially, you will undertake a written exercise and following this, you will be invited to complete a presentation and interview.
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End
Need some extra support?
The Civil Service is committed to being the most inclusive employer in the UK. To find out more about the adjustments applicants can ask for during the recruitment process, please watch the short film: Requesting a reasonable adjustment for the Civil Service online tests.
What our apprentices do!
I have received plenty of support from my employer in regards to offering help with difficult uni modules and ensuring I have sufficient study time to hit deadlines. My employer makes sure my study time always feels like a priority.
The subject is interesting and engaging, it’s a privilege to be doing work that I enjoy whilst also knowing that I can support decision making which will have a real positive impact on society and people’s lives.
The programme is very enjoyable and provides a good balance of work and study. The work is very rewarding as is most of the university content.
Behind the Scenes
What is it like to work for the Government Economic Service?
Information & Resources
