The Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) introduced the Research Apprenticeship scheme in 2017. The scheme aims to build the capacity of early-career researchers to engage with policymakers and public services to respond to key challenges in Wales.
It has attracted hundreds of applications annually from excellent candidates who wish to gain first-hand experience of providing evidence for policymaking.
This is the fifth year of the scheme and a suitable time to take stock. Here we ask our two most recent research apprentices, Isabelle Carter (2020-21) and Greg Notman (2021-22), to reflect on their experiences in the role, what they have learnt, their highlights and future plans.
Why were you interested in applying for the role?
Isabelle: When I saw the advert for the apprentice role, I felt like it had been written for me. I was just finishing my Master’s degree and trying to decide between going on to a PhD or pursuing a job in government. Working as the research apprentice allowed me to explore both of these options through hands-on experience and gave me confidence in deciding on the next steps in my career.
Greg: The role instantly appealed to me as I was finishing my Master’s degree and was torn between applying for a PhD or a job in policy. The role has allowed me to further develop my academic research skills and gain experience in a policy role, so it was the perfect opportunity to be involved in both worlds before deciding what I wanted to do next.
What did you work on during your apprenticeship?
Greg: The apprenticeship involves working on a variety of different projects for Welsh Government and public services, including speaking with stakeholders and writing reports. Alongside this, apprentices also develop an academic research project with the Centre’s research team, with the aim of publication in a peer-reviewed journal. There are also several opportunities for training and placements.
I’ve been heavily involved in our work on health and social care, co-authoring a piece on priorities and challenges for the health and social care sector. I’ve also tried to map out the structure of the system in Wales and am currently writing a blog on my efforts, after engaging in conversations with organisations in the sector. More recently, I’ve been asked to support new projects relating to net zero, as well as some of our work on looked after children, working with colleagues in CASCADE in Cardiff University. Isabelle and I have also helped to design and deliver workshops for Public Service Boards on poverty and community wellbeing.
My academic research project focused on how What Works Centres (like WCPP), build and develop relationships with their stakeholders. I’ve conducted interviews with those working in What Works Centres, and stakeholders these organisations work with, which will help further understanding of how these organisations function, as well as having some practical insights for other organisations that mobilise knowledge.
Isabelle: My academic project focused on the implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. I interviewed a range of stakeholders across Wales to gain insight into their experiences with the Act and have used this data to examine whether it represents a novel approach to sustainable development policy in theory and practice.
Throughout my time at the Centre, I have had the chance to engage with a wide range of policy areas from decarbonisation and disabled facilities grants, to the determinants of children’s health behaviours. I spent a lot of my time working on a review of poverty and social exclusion in Wales which we conducted alongside colleagues at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the New Policy Institute, which has been a hugely rewarding experience. I also contributed to a project examining the implications of the increase in remote working for Wales and authored a blog on the topic during the height of remote working during the pandemic.
What were your highlights?
Isabelle: My time as the apprentice was impacted by COVID-19 as I worked almost completely remotely. However, I was lucky to be able to do a remote placement with Knowledge and Analytical Services in Welsh Government which I really enjoyed. Another highlight was the chance to contribute to the Newcastle University policy academy where I presented on the Welsh governance context and participated in sessions on devolved governance in the UK. One of the best things about this role is the opportunity it provides to make connections with people and organisations across a range of policy and governance organisations which has been invaluable.
Greg: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to network and learn more about the policy context in Wales (coming from Scotland). I spent three days in the Senedd with their research branch, learning about how they use evidence as part of their work. Working with CASCADE has also given me a first-hand opportunity to understand the work they do, as another organisation based at our new home in Sbarc|Spark.
What’s next?
Greg: I’m staying at the Centre for a while longer, moving into a Research Officer position, which will help me gain even more experience in different policy areas. I’m still thinking about a PhD but working in a fast-paced environment like WCPP has encouraged me to consider a more applied and policy-focused career.
Isabelle: Since finishing my time as Research Apprentice, I have continued to work with the Centre as a researcher whilst pursuing an MSc in Social Research methods. In October, I will be moving on to a PhD at the LSE and taking up a social research role in Welsh Government.
Professor James Downe, WCPP’s Director of Research said – “Our Research Apprentice scheme has been a great success. We have recruited some excellent graduates who have gained significant experience from working in the Centre and used it as a springboard for their career. I would like to welcome our 6th Research Apprentice, Charlotte Morgan, who joined the Centre last month from the British Heart Foundation.”
Our Research Apprentices:
(L- R) Isabelle Carter (2020), Greg Notman (2021), and Charlotte Morgan (2022)