- Describe your sector in a nutshell.
The main role of the Statistics Office is to provide Government with relevant social and economic statistics. As such, the Office regularly collects data on employment, earnings, population, tourism, trade and retail prices and also compiles the national accounts, which provide an indication of the performance of the economy. The Statistics Office plays an important role in providing non-Government bodies and individuals with general statistical information. The Office’s duties are determined by the Statistics Act 1970. Under the provisions of the Act, the Government Statistician is required to compile and present before the Parliament the following reports:
- Employment Survey
- Tourist Survey
- Hotel Occupancy Survey
- Air Traffic Survey
- Census
- What are the different career opportunities/jobs available in your sector?
Various administrative roles up to Statistician, Senior Statistician and Chief Statistician.
- What’s interesting/fun about your sector/industry? Why should a young person want to work there?
The Statistics Office works on some of the most pressing concerns, such as the rate of inflation and employment statistics, and we are in charge of conducting a ten-year census of every household in Gibraltar.
- What skills/qualities do you seek in someone wanting to join your sector?
Ideally, officers should have qualifications in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics or
Business Studies, as well as intermediate or advanced level competence in the use of
Microsoft Excel, Access and Power BI.
- What is demand looking like in your sector? How do you think this will change in the future?
The demand for statistics is constantly growing, expanding the responsibilities of the Statistics Office.
- What is the approximate salary range people can earn?
The salary scale ranges from £19,119 to £88,745.
- What career pathways are available for a young person wanting to join your sector? (University and non-university routes)
Any young person interested in joining the Statistics Office should ensure they have a minimum of five GCSE’s, including Mathematics and English as a minimum for entry level. Any qualifications they can obtain in IT skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Power BI would be advantageous. A University Degree in a relevant field is currently required for the higher levels in the Statistics Office, at Level 3 and above. University Degrees in Statistics, usually combined with Mathematics, is a good path to follow, although Degrees in Economics and Business Studies will also provide useful background knowledge for areas such as the National Accounts and Index of Retail Prices. These Degrees would be helpful for anyone wishing to pursue a career within the Statistics Office.
- Any advice to a young person wanting to join your sector?
Although GCSE level or an equivalent is now the minimal prerequisite for entering the Civil Service, any higher degrees a young person can earn will be beneficial, especially in the subjects mentioned. The best candidates may not necessarily have the highest academic credentials, but departments always look favourably upon those who can demonstrate a willingness to learn and continue their own development.
