I’m Jacob and I joined the Home Office via the Civil Service Fast Track apprenticeship scheme because I wanted to enter the world of work, whilst continuing to learn. I also wanted to gain a better understanding of how Government worked. I was lucky to be placed in a team with interesting and challenging work in the Home Office. I have now been here for more than three years.
I joined the Home Office on the Level 4 Policy Apprenticeship straight from Sixth Form. I received two promotions whilst doing my apprenticeship, which I completed in January 2021, and I am now a Senior Policy Adviser.
My day-to-day work is incredibly varied. It seems like a cliché to say “no two days are the same” but that really is true in my job. The job is both challenging and rewarding and you must be alert to emerging events. A key part of my role is ensuring that the guidance used by our frontline staff is accurate and up to date in an environment where the policy is rapidly evolving.
For me, the most enjoyable part of my role is developing policy and seeing it in action; knowing that my work is helping the department and the Government achieve their objectives.
The Home Office is a great place to work. The work is interesting, and the department is flexible and passionate about staff development. This means there are learning and development opportunities aplenty, and my managers have been keen to ensure I make the most of the available opportunities. The support and guidance that I have received from managers and mentors has also helped me develop significantly as a policy advisor.
I would recommend a Home Office apprenticeship, or a Home Office role generally, and would advise you to research before applying, because there are so many different professions and opportunities available, meaning that it is likely that there will be a role that is suited to you.
