Statistics University Student Placements

This advert is for year-long statistics university student placements, to commence in summer 2027. There are multiple posts available. Please note that this scheme is only open to undergraduate students currently in their second year of study, looking to undertake a year-long placement commencing Summer 2027 before returning to complete their degree OR to postgraduate students who have a year-long placement built into their postgraduate degree scheme which they are looking to undertake Summer 2027-Summer 2028. Graduates should not apply. Role overview The role of Welsh Government statisticians is to support decision-making, resource allocation, research and debate within government and the wider community by providing reliable and efficient statistical services. A wide range of topics are covered by Welsh Government statisticians including education, health, housing, poverty, social justice, industry, the economy, local government, transport, the environment, agriculture, demography and the Welsh language. Most of our statisticians work together in a central hub of analysts known as Knowledge and Analytical Services; however, there are also a small number of statistical teams “outbedded” within Welsh Government policy departments. The general purpose of the role of our statistics placement students is to provide support for Welsh Government’s Knowledge and Analytical Services in respect of statistical needs and projects. We encourage you to browse our website to understand the work that we do and the types of statistical publications successful applicants may be involved in producing. Person specification The key tasks will be defined by the specific projects that the successful candidate is required to carry out. Examples will include the following: Preparation of statistical reports, drawing out key messages, identifying trends and writing insightful commentary that tells the story with data. Development of data visualisations and statistical tables to help illustrate messages in data. Answering requests for data and analysis from a variety of internal and external sources. Data management and manipulation, including efficient storage of data and automation of statistical processes. Data validation and quality assurance of statistical outputs. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing Working Together Delivering at Pace Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: A good working knowledge of at least one statistical package or programming language, e.g. R, Python, SQL. A university student studying for a degree in a numerate discipline (such as statistics, mathematics, economics, psychology or geography) whose degree contains a statistical element. Ability to develop and apply knowledge in the analysis and quality assurance of data and the production of statistical outputs. Benefits Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Technical skills. Application process In your application form, please provide evidence against each of the following three assessment criteria stated in this advert: Communicating and Influencing – Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing (assessed via application form and presentation at interview). Technical 1 – A good working knowledge of at least one statistical package or programming language (e.g. SQL, R, Python) (assessed via application form and interview question). Technical 2 – A university student studying for a degree in a numerate discipline (such as statistics, data science, mathematics, economics, psychology or geography) whose degree contains a statistical element. You must either be an undergraduate student, currently in your second year of study, looking to undertake a year-long placement commencing Summer 2027 OR a postgraduate student with a year-long placement built into your postgraduate degree scheme which you are looking to undertake Summer 2027 – Summer 2028 (assessed via application form and statistics and numeracy a