Economics Degree Apprenticeship

With the opportunity to support work in a range of areas, you’ll develop a broad skillset, important to many roles in the world of economic regulation. You’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team and apply the principles of economics (what you are learning on your apprenticeship) in the real world.  The work we do is complex and has direct implications for customers and the environment. You’ll be given the opportunity to demonstrate your potential from the outset and your passion for economics will see you relish the opportunity.

You will be supported throughout your program by your people leader, mentor/ buddy, Early Careers partner and university. On your 5-year journey you will learn the technical skills on the job, the theory at university and the soft skills with regular internal training sessions throughout the year with your cohort. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with other apprentices and colleagues and early career professionals across the regulatory industry. 

We have a virtual insights evening on the 22nd of February 2024 for you to find out more about this opportunity at Ofwat and a chance to meet some of the team! Email earlycareers@ofwat.gov.uk for your invite. 

Training:

You will complete your studies with the University of Kent – selected to deliver the programme because of the strength of their economics courses and the support they offer to apprentices throughout your time on programme.

You will study with Kent university through a hybrid approach, you will have lecturers online supplemented with in person blocks with your fellow cohort at Kent University. Ofwat will arrange and fund your accommodation and travel to Kent university for these visits. Your studies will be brought to life and used in practice with on the job learning at Ofwat.  

On successful completion, apprentices will gain the following qualifications:

L6 Economics Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Economics

And 5 years' experience working in the Civil Service – putting you in a brilliant position to progress in your career.

Training Outcome:

With the opportunity to support work in a range of areas, you’ll develop a broad skillset, important to many roles in the world of economic regulation. You’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team and apply the principles of economics (what you are learning on your apprenticeship) in the real world.  The work we do is complex and has direct implications for customers and the environment. You’ll be given the opportunity to demonstrate your potential from the outset and your passion for economics will see you relish the opportunity!  

We hope you will work your way from Business Support to Associate whilst on the apprenticeship programme. On successful completion of your apprenticeship, we will be supporting you with making the next step in your career to Senior Associate. Business support/ Associate/ Senior Associate refer to Ofwat's specific bands.

Employer Description:
We’re Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority – a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. As the economic regulator of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, our role is to enable, incentivise and hold companies to account for providing the very best for customers, communities and the environment now and in the future. We also oversee the markets in the water sector to ensure they’re working for customers. We are at the source of everyday life. We help the sector build trust and confidence with customers, the environment and wider society: keeping water flowing, bills affordable and helping ensure the health of our rivers and waterways. We push hard to improve day-to-day water company performance for customers, including on leakage, sewer flooding and customer service. We drive the sector to take a longer-term view and to take steps now to protect and enhance the environment, using digital and data innovations and making sure our water supplies are secure for future generations. Through our five-yearly price reviews, we oversee billions of pounds of investment into the water sector across England and Wales. Our Time to Act strategy sets out our ambition for the water sector and the role we play in achieving it. Our values reflect our ambition, our commitment to learning, to acting with purpose and integrity, continuously improving so that we make the greatest contribution possible to improving life through water. Our work is high-profile and fast-moving, within a dynamic and agile environment. The work that you’ll be involved in every day will help us to deliver our strategy, to make us the regulator we want to be and help the sector to deliver for customers and society. Our values underpin everything we do. They help us to deliver and maintain an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. And they've made a difference. In our latest people survey 92% of our people said they are treated with respect by the people they work with. We’re forward-thinking, creative, innovative, and ambitious. We constantly push the boundaries and embrace new ways of working. With us, your work matters, your voice is heard, and your impact is felt. Ours is a culture of trust, flexibility, autonomy, collaboration, and innovation. We all want positive change for water customers, the environment, and the future of water. But for us, change is more than what happens on the outside – we’ve always pushed boundaries internally, too. From becoming the first Civil Service organisation to achieve ‘Smarter Working’ status, to gaining our prestigious ‘Smarter Working Maturity’ award, we’ve consistently demonstrated our commitment to embracing innovative ways of working. Our people do their best work when given freedom over where, when, and how they work. Which is why we trust our teams to balance meaningful collaboration in the office with the flexibility of working from home.

Working Hours :
This post is full-time (37 hours per week), flexible working. Monday - Friday. Total hours per week: 37

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Analytical skills,Embodies all our values-SAILOR,Interested in Economics,Listening Skills,Motivation for Apprenticeship