A-level student Isaac recently completed a week-long work experience at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital hub in Newcastle.
Isaac got the opportunity to network with colleagues working on some of DWP’s most vital services and learn more about the different entry routes for young people into careers in the Civil Service.
A day in the life working in Digital
The Newcastle digital hub looked like a university campus. As well as open plan floors, there were breakout areas, colourful collaboration spaces and even an amphitheatre for larger presentations. There were hundreds of people working on each floor, but it didn’t feel intimidating.
I received a whistle-stop tour of how government policy is turned into digital services. I learned about user-centric design, the service standard framework and agile delivery, as well as observing how a multidisciplinary team could work things out by bringing their different skills together.
The amount of collaboration taking place made a real impression. Since government digital services are for the public, they need to have a say in how those services are built. One of the user researchers explained how this collaboration with the public works. I also learned that it’s normal to work with other teams across DWP and in other government departments, and the private sector.
Exploring Innovation at DWP Digital
I already had a good understanding of machine learning and large language models, but it was really interesting to see how these technologies were being trialled. My ‘which’ and 'how’ questions got answered and I found out more about where these emerging tools could benefit society.
I was given a demonstration of the tools that are being used to measure and reduce carbon emissions that are produced from running digital services. Since I’m interested in green tech, it was reassuring to see that sustainability is an integral part of DWP Digital.
Civil Service career paths in the fast lane
I’m hoping to study engineering at university. Before I began my placement, I wasn’t sure if the Civil Service would have anything to offer me after I graduate. However, I spoke to some people who had been on the Civil Service Fast Stream and looked at the dedicated Science and Engineering programme.
After hearing about their experiences and their careers, I learnt that there were all sorts of routes into government that I could explore. They reassured me that the ability to solve problems and think analytically, gained through a degree such as engineering, are key skills in the Civil Service and for employers in general.
Everyone I spoke to was friendly and happy to talk about what they were working on.
From seeing the wide range of things that were being developed and how this had a real impact on people’s lives, I really enjoyed my week at DWP Digital.
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