Wales BSc (Hons) Applied Data, Statistical and Economic Analysis Degree Apprenticeship

Job summary

Do you have the potential to excel in an analytical career and a passion for data?

Would you like the opportunity to earn whilst you learn?

We are looking for candidates with technical potential and a clear commitment to developing their skills throughout the apprenticeship. Technical capability forms a core part of the programme, and applicants should be ready to build confidence and competence in the following areas:

• Technical Skills A strong interest in developing technical capability, familiarity with MS Office, statistical software, data‑visualisation tools, and programming languages such as Python or R is highly advantageous. Candidates should be keen to deepen their understanding of data manipulation, analysis, and applied statistical methods.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills Ability to interpret data, spot trends, think critically, and approach complex problems logically. We are looking for individuals who enjoy breaking down challenges and finding evidence‑based solutions.
• Communication Skills Clear verbal and written communication, with the ability to explain technical concepts in an accessible and structured way.
• Teamwork and Collaboration Willingness to work effectively within a team environment, contribute to shared goals, and learn from peers and colleagues.
• Adaptability and Time Management Flexibility to respond to new tasks and changing priorities, alongside strong organisational skills to manage multiple demands across work and study.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Experience in data analysis, research, or related technical fields.
• A basic understanding of economics and statistical methods is beneficial.

Please note - We operate on an assignment basis which means that you could carry out more than one role during your apprenticeship and as a result roles will be allocated according to the organisation's specific skills requirements and strategic priorities.

Job description

As an apprentice analyst at ONS, you will play a crucial role in supporting the formulation of policies and strategies through evidence-based insights. You will be involved in a variety of tasks, with some of our existing cohort working on the following outputs (but not limited to):

• Contributing towards the data production process, applying programming languages to process, analyse and quality assure data.
• Using a variety of statistical tools to identify data movements, communicating trends and anomalies
• Handling and answering customer queries, role modelling professional behaviours and effectively engaging with stakeholders.

The apprenticeship will provide comprehensive learning in economics, statistics, and data science techniques delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan University one day a week, with each role selected to offer hands-on experience.

Apprenticeship Programme Overview

This three-year apprenticeship programme is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve Level 6 Wales BSc (Hons) Applied Data, Statistical and Economic Analysis Degree Apprenticeship. The programme is structured into three progressive levels, each with a specific focus on key areas of study.

Year 1: Level 4

In the first year, apprentices will lay the foundational groundwork for their future studies. The curriculum includes:

• Data Communication
• Introduction to Statistics
• The Economy: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
• Fundamentals of Data Science

Year 2: Level 5

The second year builds upon the knowledge gained in the first year, introducing more complex concepts and practical applications. The curriculum includes:

• Economic Tools for Government
• Visualisation of Data
• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Applied Data Science

Year 3: Level 6

In the final year, apprentices will engage in advanced study and practical projects that prepare them for professional practice. The curriculum includes:

• Econometrics.
• Social Analytics
• Macroeconomics: Theory & Application
• Apprenticeship Project

Person specification

• Must be living in Wales at point of application and remain residing there throughout the programme if successful.
• Must be at least 18 years old by August 31st 2026.
• Must not be in full-time education.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Must not hold a qualification deemed higher than the apprenticeship within the same field (e.g. a degree in statistics or data science)
• Must meet the minimum entry requirements for the specific apprenticeship programme (e.g., educational qualifications, relevant experience).

Qualifications

Five GCSEs including Maths and English at grade C or above. (equivalent qualifications will be considered) , plus the equivalent of two A-Levels, or relevant experience in a professional data or analytical environment.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Take ownership of their development.
• Analyse Data
• Ability to work at pace both individually and in a team.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,138, Office for National Statistics contributes £8,151 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our 5400 valued colleagues across the business.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that the benefits pack attached (bottom of page) will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Security Clearance

For ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.

At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:

• Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
• UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
• Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency

• Security Services records

Visa Sponsorship

ONS are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants are expected to hold a valid right to work in the UK when employment commences. If you are applying on a time-limited visa, this will need to be valid for at least 18 months.

To work at the ONS, candidates must meet both UK right to work and security clearance requirements (where applicable).

If you are unsure whether you meet the appropriate right to work or security clearance eligibility criteria, please refer to the guidance on Gov.uk or contact the recruitment email provided in the advert before applying. Failure to meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected and employment offers being withdrawn.

Application Process

Number of Stages: 2 stage process

Stage 1: Application

Stage 2: Interview

Stage 1 - Application and Civil Service Judgement Test

Upon submission of Part 1 your application form you will be sent an invitation to complete the Civil Service Judgement tests. There will be full instructions on how to complete the test including an opportunity to practice before undertaking the actual test. These tests are not time limited. If you fail the test your application will not proceed to the next stage. If you pass all tests for this vacancy, you will be invited to complete the final stage of your application, this is where you will provide information such as your work history. Skills and experience and Personal Statement / Statement of Suitability.

Full Application submission

The assessment process at the application stage will be based on your work history and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role. Your work history should cover any skills and experience you believe can be applied to this role using the skills and attributes listed under the ‘What we are looking for?’ section.

Your 1000 word personal statement should be tailored to answer the questions listed;

1. Why is this Degree Apprenticeship the right career move for you at this time?
2. What do you think would be the most challenging aspects of undertaking this Degree Apprenticeship and why? How would you manage them?
3. Can you describe a time you’ve had to handle multiple priorities at the same time and the steps you took to ensure the best outcomes?
4. What are the strengths you use that support your ability to work as part of a team and influence others?

As these criteria are scored, it is advisable to give clear examples for each one, including the impact of your actions, ideally utilising the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.

Please note, in instances where a high number of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted, and candidates will be invited to interview based on merit order, i.e., those with the highest scores.

Stage 2 - Interview

If invited to interview, you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert. There will also be a presentation exercise where candidates will be expected to demonstrate their potential in the following technical areas:

• Take ownership of their development.
• Analyse Data
• Work at pace both individually and in a team.

Other Information

In instances where a high number of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted, and candidates will be invited to interview based on merit order, i.e., those with the highest scores being prioritised. Applicants who score below the adjusted pass mark but still pass may be placed on hold and may be invited to interview at a later date.

Interviews to be held via Microsoft Teams.

Due to funding eligibility, these opportunities are only available at Newport (South Wales)

A reserve list may be held for a period up to 3 months from which further appointments may be made.

Key Dates

Successful candidates must be available to take up placement in early September 2025.

• The Sift will be conducted from 11th May
• Interviews will be conducted from 1st June
• Optional Digital Skills training will be available throughout Sept 26 from Cardiff Met (e.g. Excel).
• ONS WAA Induction 9th Sept 26
• Cohort inductions will take place w/c 21st Sept 26.
• Formal face-to-face learning will start w/c 28th Sept 26.

For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : entry.talent@ons.gov.uk
• Email : entry.talent@ons.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : ons.analytical.resourcing@ons.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact recruitment.complaints@ons.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission

Attachments

2721 Advert 4B Fixed Term Between One and Two Years - ONS National v1-00 Opens in new window (pdf, 134kB)Wales_Analytical_Degree_Apprenticeship_Candidate_Pack_2026 Opens in new window (pdf, 827kB)