Government Operational Research Service - Sandwich Student Scheme
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-22)

Details of eligibility requirements and the application process for current students looking to complete a year in industry.

The Government Operational Research Service (GORS) sandwich placement scheme is open to students studying who are looking to complete a year in industry during their degree course and interested in a career in government analysis. Starting in summertime, you’ll spend a year working in one of the participating government departments.

How to apply

Applications for sandwich student placements run once a year, usually from around January to March. You can apply through the the Civil Service Jobs website (https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi). You can find the application pages by clicking ‘Advanced Search’, and then selecting ‘Operational Research’ from the ‘Type of Role’ drop down menu.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for a Student Placement if:
- your degree has at least 50% of modules that are numerate (this can include things such as mathematics, physics, econometrics, computer programming, statistics, programming and engineering, and can include modules you haven’t taken yet)
- you will return to university for your final year after your placement
- you satisfy both the nationality and immigration requirements
Application process

There are two stages to the application process - an online application form, and an interview. The application form assesses you on the behaviours and technical skills as outlined in the Civil Service Success Profiles (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles). We will aim to let you know if your application has been successful within 3 weeks of the closing date.

If your application is successful at the initial stage, we will invite you to interview. These are usually held virtually, and consists of a short presentation on a topic you’ll be given on the day, and questions which will assess you further on your behaviours and technical skills.

If you’re successful

If you are successful, you will be offered a role, subject to security clearance and right to work checks.

You will able to express three preferences for location. GORS has roles all over the UK, and many Civil Servants, including in senior positions, work outside the South East. Currently, about 45% of GORS members are based outside of Greater London.

On appointment, you will join the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) with over 1,200 members. Your salary will vary depending on location and department, and last year ranged between £19,000 and £26,500.

Contact us

If you are interested in our placement opportunities and wish to find out any more information about GORS sandwich year placements, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Testimonials

GORS Sandwich Student, HM Revenue and Customs:

Throughout the year, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects which has taught me a lot about different taxes, customs procedures and the data held in HMRC. These projects tended to feed into huge, department wide operations meaning the analysis I completed made an impact on society. I’ve also had the chance to present my work to senior personnel within the business which has helped them to make wider departmental decisions. Furthermore, having the opportunity to lead on projects has meant I’ve improved my project management, leadership and time management skills.

Nationality and immigration requirements

You are eligible to apply if you are in one of the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
You will need to demonstrate that you meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules), and immigration rules on the GOV.UK Visas and Immigration page (https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration).

Security Vetting

Please note that all government roles require security vetting (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels), and the higher levels require candidates to have had a UK footprint for 3 years, which may affect the role you are assigned.