Public Sector & Government

🗳️ What is the public sector?

The public sector is all about the laws, policies and services that shape our lives. Think roads, schools and everything that keeps us ticking. It's how we get support when we need it!

🏛️ And central government?

Central government is like the boss of national policies and services. They set the rules and budget for everything from health to education, making big decisions that affect us all.

🏫 What about local government?

Local government is your community’s go-to squad! They manage local services like libraries and social care, deciding how to spend budgets and making sure everyone gets the help they need.

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Civil Servant

Civil Servants are the behind-the-scenes heroes, helping the government make stuff happen. They don’t get elected but stay in their roles through changes in government.

Diplomat

Diplomats are basically the UK’s global reps, dealing with trade and keeping British citizens safe abroad. They’re all about building connections and protecting our interests worldwide.

Local government officer

Local government officers are all about community. They deliver services that make life easier, from health to transport, making sure local policies actually help the people they serve.

Member of Parliament (MP)

MPs are your local champions in the House of Commons, where our political representatives sit. They propose and debate laws and tackle issues for their communities. Balancing time between their constituency and the House of Commons? No easy feat!

Policy advisor

Policy advisors are the brains behind the scenes. They research and analyse stuff to help shape policies. Think of them as the strategists who ensure decisions are solid and beneficial.

💬 Communication

Whether you’re explaining policies, advising the public or debating with colleagues, clear and engaging talk is key to getting your point across.

📋 Organisation

You’ll juggle tasks, budgets and projects like a pro, keeping everything running smoothly while making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

📚 Research

In roles such as policy advisor and MP, you’ll gather and analyse data to back up decisions, ensuring policies are based on solid evidence and real-world impact.

😬 Resilience

Resilience is all about staying chill under pressure. Public sector jobs can get intense, so being able to adapt and handle surprises like a boss is super important.

✊🏽 Social conscience

Many folks in the public sector are driven by a passion for social justice and creating positive change in society.

🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?

The Civil Service offers loads of apprenticeships, like policy officer, at levels 4 to 6. It's a fab way to jumpstart your career without needing a degree! Local councils offer lots of apprenticeship schemes too.

🎓 Is uni an option?

For sure! Uni can be a great path for public sector roles, especially if you’re eyeing a decision-making or management role. Relevant degrees such as economics, PPE or sociology can really help you out!

👩🏾‍🎓 I've heard of the Civil Service Fast Stream. What is it?

The Civil Service Fast Stream is like a fast pass to high-level roles in government. It’s a graduate programme that gives you diverse experiences and responsibilities right from the start. You’ll need a degree at 2.1 or above.

⭐ How can I stand out?

Get involved with cool organisations like Youth Parliament to flex your debate and campaigning skills. Networking and relevant experience will definitely help you shine in a crowded field.

What degree options do I have?

Degrees in politics, sociology, business or modern languages are super useful for public sector jobs. Pick what excites you and aligns with your career goals!

What qualifications can I get through a public sector and government apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships can lead to some solid qualifications, like children, young people and families manager (level 5) or social worker (level 6). It’s hands-on learning plus formal recognition!

Civil Servants stay on even when the government changes

Civil Servants serve the people – it doesn’t matter which party is in government.

Parliament has been around for 300 years

The Parliament of Great Britain was set up in 1707 with the Act of Union which bound England and Scotland together. The current UK Parliament was born when Ireland joined in 1801 (Ireland later left the UK in 1922).

There are 317 councils in England

They come in different shapes and sizes – each county has a council but so do towns, cities and rural ‘districts’.

The UK has 3,500+ public libraries

3,667 to be precise. This includes mobile libraries – the big vans you see driving around which bring the books to the people!

The UK has 650 MPs

Each MP represents a constituency in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. MPs are paid about £91k and government ministers are paid more.

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