Data analysis work experience

About the project

The new government has said it wants Combined Authorities to develop local growth plans for their areas, as part of a national ‘mission’ to increase economic growth. These plans will cover economic geographies of anywhere between 500,000 and 3,000,000 people – large areas within with there are sub-regional economic dynamics, relationships and interdependencies. The plans will need to be built on an understanding of the internal workings of Combined Authority-area economies, so that they benefit people and places across the region; and so they can make the most of regional economic opportunities.

The Productivity Institute is offering a short work experience placement to a student who would like to gain experience of data analysis and evaluation to support regional policymakers to understand the economic geographies of Combined Authority-area economies.

Image: ONS Origin-destination data explorer showing the movement of people from Bolton into Manchester at the time of Census 2021

About the placement

The placement will last for one week, starting in early October for a week. You will be paid an equivalent hourly rate to a research assistant (£16.75 p/h). Your work would be credited in a TPI report to be produced by one of its Policy Fellows, and a suitable reference provided upon completion.

What will be involved?

• Manually extracting data from the ONS’ Origin-destination data explorer (pictured above), to show – for each of the 12 Combined Authority areas and the Greater London Authority – where people living in each constituent local authority area travel to work.
• Using this data, creating a profile for each Combined Authority area and the Greater London Authority, showing the share of the workforce that lives and works in the same Combined Authority area; the share the works outside of the Combined Authority area; and the most significant area-to-area transfers of people within a Combined Authority area. A template and worked example will be provided for one Combined Authority area.
• Producing an evaluative summary of all 13 profiles to show which areas are the most and least interconnected.

Who are we looking for?

Essential criteria:

• An interest in data, evaluation, economic policy, geography and/or English devolution, and potentially pursuing a career or further study within these areas;
• An ability to work autonomously towards achieving goals and a project timetable;
• A good level of computer literacy and capability to navigate data software (specifically the ONS’ Origin-destination data explorer, Excel, Word and MS Teams);
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to quality assure their own work to a high standard;

We are particularly interested in hearing from people from demographic groups underrepresented in the policy and economics profession.

How to apply?

Please email your CV, a short 200-word statement explaining why you are interested in gaining working experience through this placement and a 400-word statement explaining how you meet the essential criteria required for this placement.

Address to send it to: jonathan.gibson-3@manchester.ac.uk

Deadline to apply: Friday 13 September 2024