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.
Jamie Lewis-Macgregor
Countryside Stewardship – Existing and Improvements Policy Adviser
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
With thanks to Jamie and the Policy Profession. This article was previously published on policyprofession.civilservice.gov.uk.
