GovWire

What is a Government Social Researcher and why it might be for me?

Being a Government Social Researcher involves studying and analysing various aspects of society, like peoples behaviour, opinions and needs. This then helps the government make informed decisions. Social Researchers in Government work on a huge variety of programmes and projects and are at the heart of building better policy that can improve peoples lives.

To do this, Social Researchers use a range of methods; for example, they design and gather data on surveys that aim to quantify a populations views, conduct interviews and focus groups that explore what people think in greater depth, and run experiments to decide what kinds of social programmes work best. Alongside this, Social Researchers often make use of transferable and in demand coding skills to analyse and visualise large amounts of data.

They use these results to provide recommendations to policymakers. Social research helps make society better and fairer by using data and research to guide government decisions.

What is the Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP)?

The GSRDAP is in development as a four-year apprenticeship programme which offers a first of its kind opportunity to gain real experience in working on some of the Governments most impactful projects, all while gaining a bespoke undergraduate degree in Social Research. Pleaseregister your interest to receive email updates when the GSRDAP opens.

When will it start?

The first cohort of apprentices will be welcomed in Autumn 2024, with the application window also opening earlier in 2024.

Who can apply?

The GSRDAP is open to a wide variety of candidates from school leavers to career changers, and lots of people in between. Prospective apprentices can apply from as early as their last year of school. Full eligibility requirements will be published closer to the application window being opened.

Where will apprentices be located?

Government Social Research apprentices will be located at Government departments across the UK. A full list of locations will be available shortly.

Whats the salary?

The minimum salary will be 20k nationally or 22k in London.

Why an apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship will help you put the skills you are learning in your degree to the test in real world situations. You will earn a wage as a full time Government employee, hosted by one of many participating departments, alongside having your degree and wider learning and development fully funded by the programme.

You will be supported by both academic experts and caring colleagues who will help you get the most out of this programme. This is a brilliant opportunity to gain marketable and flexible skills that will set you up for the future.

Where can I go from here?

If this apprenticeship sounds like it could be for you or you would like to find out more, pleaseregister your interest to receive email updates when the GSRDAP opens.