Why I recommend a
Policy Officer Apprenticeship

National Apprenticeship Week takes place between 5 to 11 February 2024 and celebrates the achievements of apprentices and the positive impact they make.

This year’s theme is ‘Skills For Life’. Jamie Lewis-Macgregor joins us to talk about the skills and expertise he gained from a policy apprenticeship.

After finishing college, I joined the Civil Service under the Level 4 policy officer apprenticeship scheme. This was a two year scheme aimed at creating policy development knowledge and testing a policy hypothesis by using feedback from stakeholders. The successful completion of the apprenticeship relied on pulling together a portfolio of work alongside passing several exams.

As an Executive Officer (EO), the skills I learned during the apprenticeship elevated my work to an advanced level. It allowed me to develop proficient policy writing skills. I also gained expertise in building effective working relationships with stakeholders, using feedback to support policy development. This fast-tracked me to promotion through which I became a Higher Executive Officer (HEO).

These skills continue to support me in my current role as a policy adviser. I have directly engaged with stakeholders and used feedback to improve a myriad of policy designs, setting me up to expertly draft agroforestry and floodplain policy.

The apprenticeship also built my confidence. I am now a member on the Farming In Protected Landscapes funding panel where I approve funding to restore historic buildings across England. To date, myself and the board have approved a total of £8,000,000 in funding.

Taking the apprenticeship route into the Civil Service allowed me to develop and progress in my chosen policy career. I would strongly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to develop more skills and earn whilst they learn.

With thanks to Jamie and the Policy Profession. This article was previously published on policyprofession.civilservice.gov.uk.