GSS Sandwich Year Placements 2026

The work is high profile and you might find yourself working with requests from Ministers and other senior officials. You will work with existing team members focusing on research work which will form part of larger projects. This role may also include:

• Being exposed to multiple arms of government such as central policy, delivery of frontline services, finance and long term strategy;
• Working with a variety of professions including analysts, policy, delivery and IT specialists
• Working in a government environment which promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages learning and development
• Joining a community of placement students and network across the GSS

We have year-long placement opportunities in locations across the UK (some roles may be offered on a slightly shorter/longer period than 12 months).

These placements are an opportunity for you to put into practice the techniques you have learnt during your studies within a working environment. You will work with others, including Data Scientists to learn new techniques and understand how the work across the GSS influences and shapes policy decision making.

You will have the opportunity to learn the skills required for professional life whilst working for the GSS which has been ranked as one of the top graduate employers in the country (rated by the graduates themselves).

If you enjoy your time with us as a sandwich placement we would love you to make this a full-time career. As part of your placement you will be fully supported in your development to help you apply for any related external recruitment campaigns in the future. Many successful students secure a job offer during their placement ready for when they have graduated - a fantastic opportunity not to be missed.

*Candidates who are offered a placement may also be invited to apply for a permanent role as a Statistical Officer in Government. To do this, candidates who are on track to successfully complete their placement will be given a Fast Pass through the application process and invited to undertake the Statistical Officer Assessment. This consists of the GSS online test and if successful, candidates will be offered an interview to assess their suitability for the permanent role via technical and behavioural assessment. Government Statistical Services roles are also advertised to external candidates on Civil Service Jobs.

Person specification

• Experience in collection, manipulation and analysis of data and presenting research results (theoretical or practical understanding of basic statistics.
• IT literate, with experience of working with a variety of software, especially Excel, including experience of or aptitude for statistical software.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate analysis to non-specialists
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver quality statistical advice and analysis, often to tight deadline.

Qualifications

You must be currently studying in your second year of a highly numerate degree that contains taught statistical content (e.g. mathematics, sciences, economics, statistics, data science, psychology, geography, engineering), expecting to achieve a 2:2 or above and seeking a one-year placement for your third year before returning to University for your final year.

Please note this vacancy is open to Undergraduates and those studying a combined Masters Degree only. Please do not apply if you are graduating in 2026.

In the qualifications section, please ensure you include the following mandatory details;

1. The degree you are studying
2. Your current year of study
3. Your expected graduation year
4. Predicted grade

Failure to provide these details may result in your application being rejected.

Please make sure that you fully complete the qualifications section in the application form. Applications submitted without details of degree studied, predicted grades and year of graduation will be discounted. Failure to provide this information will result in your application being sifted out of the process

Please provide a personal statement of up to 750 words to evidence your competence against the Person Specification.

Candidates that pass the sift will be invited to interview.