My Apprenticeship Experience: Rachel's Blog
Careers at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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This National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), Government Social Research Degree apprentice Rachel discusses her experience as an apprentice here at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).??
With National Apprenticeship Week in full swing, I’m excited to share my personal experience as a social research apprentice in the Civil Service as we celebrate the value and impact of apprenticeships.?
My past few months have been filled with countless opportunities to explore, learn, and develop both professionally and personally. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my journey, highlighting the challenges I faced, the skills I acquired, and the invaluable lessons I learnt along the way.?
Where It All Began?
I first discovered the Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme while job hunting a year after graduating from university. Social research was a field I had always found fascinating since taking A level Sociology, but I never saw it as a viable career path as I had wrongly assumed it was limited to either non-profit organisations or academia.?
The programme was a perfect fit for me: I could make a real impact on lives, earn a decent wage despite being an apprentice, and pursue another degree (for free!). My previous degree wasn’t related to social research, but this apprenticeship served as the perfect launchpad to kickstart my dream career.??
Joining My Department:?
Knowing departments would be randomly assigned, I was a little nervous. What if I didn’t like the department? What if I struggle to understand the work? As a classic overthinker, I had thought of everything that could go wrong. And in true overthinking fashion, I learnt very quickly that I had nothing to worry about.?
The steep learning curve and technical aspects of my role were challenging at first. It often felt like there was so much to learn, with so many acronyms to memorise and specialised terminology I had never come across before. However, bring an apprentice meant I could ask as many questions as I needed, which, when coupled with a truly supportive manager, made a world of difference in feeling welcomed and settled.?
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What I’ve Been Up To?
Balancing an apprenticeship and a degree can be demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Being part of the Energy Innovation Evaluation team means getting involved in assessing the progress and impacts of new technologies in the journey to reach net zero. My team write and publish reports frequently throughout the year and are a key component in ensuring the accountability of the Civil Service and the government.??
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the type of work I’ve been entrusted with so early in the apprenticeship. I’ve had the chance to do things I wouldn’t have otherwise, like facilitating focus groups and designing surveys and interview questions. I’ve also gained invaluable experience and confidence in using Excel after expressing interest in more stats-related work. One of the tasks I’m currently involved with is designing my team’s new webpage! I really enjoy the blend of analytical and creative work, as it not only makes for a well-rounded experience but also adds variety to my work.?
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Highlights of the Apprenticeship?
One of the best parts of the apprenticeship is how I’ve been able to tailor my role to my interests. Regular meetings with my manager and team leader allow me to discuss what I want from the apprenticeship and what areas I want to explore and gain experience in.?
Another highlight is the people I’ve met. A great thing about the programme is that you get to meet a huge variety of people from both the work and university. I keep in touch with other social research apprentices working in other cities, which combined with frequent opportunities to travel, means lots of chances to catch up!?
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Considering a Civil Service Apprenticeship???
If you’re considering an apprenticeship in the Civil Service, I have three words: go for it! You’ll gain first-hand experience in social research, develop a highly diverse range of skills, and have the opportunity to make a real impact every day. The application process can be rigorous, but the outcome is extremely rewarding. If I could give any piece of advice, it would be to prepare for what you can and to familiarise yourself with, and use, the STAR(R) method. Good luck!?
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