Business and economics students from Durham Sixth Form Centre participated in a two-day event at the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC). The visit, organised by Dylan Bowater, DSFC alumni and current ONS degree apprentice economist, offered students a comprehensive look into civil service careers and economic policy-making.

Day one began with a panel discussion featuring senior officials, including Pauline Crellin, Director of UK Trade Delivery, and Beth Russell, Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury. The panel provided insights into the diverse career paths within the civil service and DEC, emphasising the sector’s role in governance and policy-making. Students gained valuable perspectives on the day-to-day work, challenges, and rewards of civil service careers.

Following the panel, current HM Treasury economists presented their roles and experiences, highlighting various entry routes such as degree apprenticeships, internships, and graduate schemes. This segment proved particularly enlightening for students considering their future career options.

The second day challenged students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Working alongside DEC apprentices, they tackled an economic policy challenge focused on reducing the UK’s Debt to GDP ratio. Teams developed data backed proposals, which they presented to senior ONS officials and policy advisors in 10-minute pitches, followed by rigorous Q&A sessions. Throughout this process, students demonstrated remarkable professionalism and poise, particularly when responding to challenging questions under pressure.

This experience not only provided students with excellent insights into civil service careers and apprenticeship opportunities but also helped develop crucial skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and public speaking. The event complemented students’ academic learning providing a valuable preview of how classroom learning translates into real-world economics and public service careers.