Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship (GSRDAP) 2025

7

Hi,
There isn't much information or discussion about this scheme, so I thought I'd start a post.

Yesterday, I received an email saying I'd been selected for interview. Has anyone else received the same?

Reply 1

Jenga1

6

Hi, there’s a discussion here although admittedly not much info yet but a few of us have received the ‘selection for interview’ emails too
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7483928

Reply 2

Missbax81

OP

7

Original post

by Jenga1

Hi, there’s a discussion here although admittedly not much info yet but a few of us have received the ‘selection for interview’ emails too
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7483928

Hi, I was originally commenting on that one, but I think it's an old thread. I started a new one in case more people from this year look for a thread.

Congratulations on getting through to the interview stage. Hopefully, we'll receive more details soon.

Reply 3

k.kenny123

1

Is everyone doing the written assessment stage tomorrow?

Reply 4

Jenga1

6

I’ve completed the written assessment stage, just this week, so now waiting for details of the next part of the interview process. It wasn’t easy that’s for sure! Good luck for those taking part.

Reply 5

k.kenny123

1

Congrats! Hope it goes well for you. Was there anything you thought you could have prepped for before and how so?

Reply 6

Missbax81

OP

7

Original post

by Jenga1

I’ve completed the written assessment stage, just this week, so now waiting for details of the next part of the interview process. It wasn’t easy that’s for sure! Good luck for those taking part.

I completed it as well. I don't think it was my best work, but I'm just going to focus on the next stages.

Reply 7

Missbax81

OP

7

Original post

by k.kenny123

Congrats! Hope it goes well for you. Was there anything you thought you could have prepped for before and how so?

I'd just advise using the information in the candidate pack to prepare as well as you can for what's expected.

Reply 8

Jenga1

6

I suppose with the limited timings, it was never going to be a great piece of work and like you, I’m trying to focus on the next stage.

Reply 9

Suhul1

6

I actually managed to secure this apprenticeship and will be starting on September 2025 with my second week at my university with paid accommodation which will be happening each year.

For me the process was the following:

1.

Typical Gov Apprenticeship application form with the questions regarding things like strengths / weaknesses.

2.

Pre recorded interview, 8 questions with up to 2 minute answers each

3.

Vocab / Numerical test

4.

Final interview + Research task (Both 45 minutes each)

I don't think I performed exceptionally well at every single stage but I do believe my prior qualification being D*D*D* in BTECBusiness Extended Diploma + having a level 3 apprenticeship experience helped me a lot to secure that final interview. Andafter which it was more about presenting myself in the best way possible in that final interview.

The final interview was a bit hard since they asked a few questions that were very very similar but thankfully that was something I spent a lot of time preparing for and I only really stumbled my words like once or twice and recovered well by providing good examples and speaking well.

I definitely wasn't perfect and that's not what their looking for anyway, their looking for someone with a lot of potential and how you present yourself and speak plays such a massive role it's something that people underestimate as everyone has similar grades or higher grades then you or similar experience to you at that final stage level so you need to stand out by presenting things like examples at work really work, school, extra curricular activities, things happening outside your life etc.

Feel free to ask me any more questions or reach out to me as I'm always willing to help.

(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 10

minauni

2

Original post

by Suhul1

I actually managed to secure this apprenticeship and will be starting on September 2025 with my second week at my university with paid accommodation which will be happening each year.
For me the process was the following:

1.

Typical Gov Apprenticeship application form with the questions regarding things like strengths / weaknesses.

2.

Pre recorded interview, 8 questions with up to 2 minute answers each

3.

Vocab / Numerical test

4.

Final interview + Research task (Both 45 minutes each)

I don't think I performed exceptionally well at every single stage but I do believe my prior qualification being D*D*D* in BTECBusiness Extended Diploma + having a level 3 apprenticeship experience helped me a lot to secure that final interview. Andafter which it was more about presenting myself in the best way possible in that final interview.
The final interview was a bit hard since they asked a few questions that were very very similar but thankfully that was something I spent a lot of time preparing for and I only really stumbled my words like once or twice and recovered well by providing good examples and speaking well.
I definitely wasn't perfect and that's not what their looking for anyway, their looking for someone with a lot of potential and how you present yourself and speak plays such a massive role it's something that people underestimate as everyone has similar grades or higher grades then you or similar experience to you at that final stage level so you need to stand out by presenting things like examples at work really work, school, extra curricular activities, things happening outside your life etc.
Feel free to ask me any more questions or reach out to me as I'm always willing to help.

what are some things i can do extra curricular wise if you don’t mind, and what did you do outside of school? x

Reply 11

Suhul1

6

Original post

by minauni

what are some things i can do extra curricular wise if you don’t mind, and what did you do outside of school? x

You can do things like joining a club within your school or outside of it, could literally be anything that involves communication, teamwork or a sports. I think a good one is volunteering at your old primary or secondary school to be a mentor or some sort of alumni.

It could honestly be anything, no need to overthink it just ensure when you do mention it that you explain in a way that links to how you would be suitable and a good fit within the role. For me personally, I did a bunch of online courses, Duke of Edinburgh, I had fast food / retail and office work experience, I ran my own Instagram business at 14/15, had a school charity project raising money amongst other things.

Reply 12

Niacymraeg

2

Original post

by Suhul1

I actually managed to secure this apprenticeship and will be starting on September 2025 with my second week at my university with paid accommodation which will be happening each year.
For me the process was the following:

1.

Typical Gov Apprenticeship application form with the questions regarding things like strengths / weaknesses.

2.

Pre recorded interview, 8 questions with up to 2 minute answers each

3.

Vocab / Numerical test

4.

Final interview + Research task (Both 45 minutes each)

I don't think I performed exceptionally well at every single stage but I do believe my prior qualification being D*D*D* in BTECBusiness Extended Diploma + having a level 3 apprenticeship experience helped me a lot to secure that final interview. Andafter which it was more about presenting myself in the best way possible in that final interview.
The final interview was a bit hard since they asked a few questions that were very very similar but thankfully that was something I spent a lot of time preparing for and I only really stumbled my words like once or twice and recovered well by providing good examples and speaking well.
I definitely wasn't perfect and that's not what their looking for anyway, their looking for someone with a lot of potential and how you present yourself and speak plays such a massive role it's something that people underestimate as everyone has similar grades or higher grades then you or similar experience to you at that final stage level so you need to stand out by presenting things like examples at work really work, school, extra curricular activities, things happening outside your life etc.
Feel free to ask me any more questions or reach out to me as I'm always willing to help.

Hi, hope you’re enjoying your apprenticeship!!

I’m interested in applying for the GSRDAP 2026 cohort and I have a few questions:

1) what does your working schedule look like? (are you working from the office/remote etc, is there a lot of field work?)
2) Does your role involve travel around England, or do you stay at one office?
3) are there any opportunities for international work?
4) Are your day to day tasks difficult?

Thank you so much!!

Reply 13

zoopie

2

Original post

by Niacymraeg

Hi, hope you’re enjoying your apprenticeship!!
I’m interested in applying for the GSRDAP 2026 cohort and I have a few questions:
1) what does your working schedule look like? (are you working from the office/remote etc, is there a lot of field work?)
2) Does your role involve travel around England, or do you stay at one office?
3) are there any opportunities for international work?
4) Are your day to day tasks difficult?
Thank you so much!!

Hi!

1.

I started the apprenticeship this September, and so far my work has been entirely office-based, but I can imagine this might change if my team were to conduct the research rather than commission it. We work four days a week and have one “study day” during which you’re not required to work and can focus on your studies. Remote working varies by department, but it’s usually 2–3 days a week in the office, with the rest working from home (and the study days are of course from home as well). Depending on your team and departmental needs, this can be more or less flexible, and of course you’re not expected to come into the office if you’re unwell. And, surprisingly, working from the office is actually very enjoyable!! It helps you focus more, and it’s always nice to see everyone in person.

2.

We’re assigned to one office, and the role doesn’t involve much travel. I’ve personally travelled between offices to attend trainings, conferences, or a team away day, but this isn’t frequent, and your department covers all necessary expenses.

3.

I’m not entirely sure what you mean by that - do you mean working abroad, working on international issues, or working with other governments? In general, the work is mostly domestic and very UK-focused, though this can depend on the department (for example, the Home Office might be different). It may also change once you’ve completed the apprenticeship.

4.

Not at all. It definitely takes time to adjust to GSR’s way of working and to build up knowledge about your field and your department’s goals, but you get a lot of support from your line manager, grade manager, and colleagues. The tasks are very much tailored to your level of experience, and if anything feels like too much, you’re encouraged to raise it with your team or manager. Overall, it feels like everyone wants you to learn and do your best, but no one expects you to take on work you can’t cope with. There’s a lot of reading and thinking involved, but nothing you wouldn’t be able to handle once you’ve passed the interviews 🙂

Best of luck!! Remember to pay a lot of attention to how recruitment works at Civil Service, especially how they grade you based on "behaviours" and what exactly each behaviour means (on the EO level) - looking up videos about it on youtube helped me a lot :smile:

!

Reply 14

Niacymraeg

2

Original post

by zoopie

Hi!

1.

I started the apprenticeship this September, and so far my work has been entirely office-based, but I can imagine this might change if my team were to conduct the research rather than commission it. We work four days a week and have one “study day” during which you’re not required to work and can focus on your studies. Remote working varies by department, but it’s usually 2–3 days a week in the office, with the rest working from home (and the study days are of course from home as well). Depending on your team and departmental needs, this can be more or less flexible, and of course you’re not expected to come into the office if you’re unwell. And, surprisingly, working from the office is actually very enjoyable!! It helps you focus more, and it’s always nice to see everyone in person.

2.

We’re assigned to one office, and the role doesn’t involve much travel. I’ve personally travelled between offices to attend trainings, conferences, or a team away day, but this isn’t frequent, and your department covers all necessary expenses.

3.

I’m not entirely sure what you mean by that - do you mean working abroad, working on international issues, or working with other governments? In general, the work is mostly domestic and very UK-focused, though this can depend on the department (for example, the Home Office might be different). It may also change once you’ve completed the apprenticeship.

4.

Not at all. It definitely takes time to adjust to GSR’s way of working and to build up knowledge about your field and your department’s goals, but you get a lot of support from your line manager, grade manager, and colleagues. The tasks are very much tailored to your level of experience, and if anything feels like too much, you’re encouraged to raise it with your team or manager. Overall, it feels like everyone wants you to learn and do your best, but no one expects you to take on work you can’t cope with. There’s a lot of reading and thinking involved, but nothing you wouldn’t be able to handle once you’ve passed the interviews 🙂

Best of luck!! Remember to pay a lot of attention to how recruitment works at Civil Service, especially how they grade you based on "behaviours" and what exactly each behaviour means (on the EO level) - looking up videos about it on youtube helped me a lot :smile:

!

Wow, this is super fascinating!! Thank you so so much for taking the time to reply with great depth, I really appreciate it! Happy New Year 🎉

Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship (GSRDAP) 2025

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