Economics Sandwich Placement Student

If you are expected to achieve at least a 2:1 in an analytical degree e.g., economics/statistics/mathematics/physics and would like to enhance your employability through relevant work experience, an industrial placement with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) gives you the opportunity to provide hands-on support to our excellent team of economists and data analysts.

The Analysis & Evaluation (A&E) team at NPL goes beyond the theory and applies economic knowledge to real-world problems. Through a range of funding mechanisms, government funds are applied to science and technological innovations at this national laboratory. The role of our team is to help government monitor and evaluate the economic impact of NPL.

The A&E team supports NPL in developing business cases to bid for public funding to deliver new science programmes. The economic case is a key component of the business case because it sets out the rationale and Value for Money (VfM) for the programme. As you gain experience, you will take on greater responsibility. The placement is an excellent way to apply your theoretical knowledge and develop within the role.

This opportunity will allow you to discover if a career in public sector analysis is suitable for you. We have apprentices, students, scientists, and professional staff all working towards a common goal. This, coupled with many societies, allows for interactions with a diverse workforce and supports transition from university to working life. The estimated start date for this position is August 2025, estimated end date August 2026.

You’ll be able to develop highly sought-after technical skills by working with Microsoft Excel and other statistical software. There is also an opportunity to attend NPL training courses such as using Microsoft Excel, communicating effectively, and time management. By the end of the year, you will have gained a wealth of experience, giving you the confidence to pursue your future career.

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

You’ll be a well-organised, independently driven, and an ambitious individual with effective communication skills and the ability to think and work flexibly. You’ll also be passionate about working in a collaborative team environment.

To succeed in the role during your placement you will have an understanding of mathematics and/or statistics (A-level or an equivalent qualification), and ideally have an interest in areas such as economics or science policy.

This opportunity is based in the A&E team where you’ll work closely with the economists, as well as the wider Strategic Programme Management team. You will have the opportunity to get involved in many different areas of Monitoring & Evaluation and across the business.

What you’ll be doing:

• Developing technical analytical skills including how to undertake applied data analysis using statistical software.
• Presenting and communicating complex analysis in a non-technical language to non-economists.
• Developing professional report writing skills for both non-technical and technical reports.
• Assist in developing and delivering analysis that will enable senior leadership to make important decisions for projects.
• Developing knowledge assets (case studies and databases) that enable the team to conduct robust analysis or increase the evidence base for our impact

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here -The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.