Current apprenticeships for the data industry

It is important to point out at that there are different levels for apprenticeships that provide a jumping point for the data industry. The data analyst apprenticeship is level 4 and lasts 24 months, while the data science degree apprenticeship is level 6 and lasts 36 months. Level 4 and 5 are equivalent foundation degrees and above, while a level 6 apprenticeship is equivalent to bachelor’s degree or higher.

The Institute for Apprenticeships gives a full break down of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that must be attained by the apprentice, known as the ‘apprenticeship standard’.

The following are some employers that offer level 4 data analyst apprenticeships across a range of sectors. Of the better known names, local and central government is represented by Southwark Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, a Ministry of Defence agency - Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and the Government Statistical Society.

Telecommunications companies include Telefonica, BT, and Vodafone. IT and technology companies include tech giant Siemans, IT equipment company Fujitsu, and BCS The Chartered Institute for IT. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are represented by pharmaceutical NHS and GSK.

The other companies offering this level 4 apprenticeship are; BP, Balfour Beatty, Unilever, Bentley Motors, and business intelligence and data management company SAS.

Less well-known organisations that also offer this apprenticeship are, infrastructure and services operator Ferrovial, business advisory and accountancy company Ecovis Wingrave Yeats, water and wastewater company United Utilities.

Vodafone, Ogilvy, GoCompare, Royal Mail, NHS Digital and Ordnance Survey have offered apprenticeships in the past but I was unable find current openings at the time of writing.