Office for National Statistics (ONS) is developing a new degree-level apprenticeship in data science in partnership with organisations spanning across the public and private sectors.
The Level 6 data scientist apprenticeship will take between three to four years to complete and will provide apprentices with the opportunity to thrive in a fast-evolving and strategically critical discipline.
Successful apprentices will learn how to find information in diverse datasets to address complex problems and improve organisational processes.
Commenting on the scheme the National Statistician, John Pullinger, said:
“National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer a great route into skilled employment for people of all ages and backgrounds. I am especially proud of how we are embracing apprenticeships across ONS, with over 100 apprentices currently enrolled.
“These schemes span different professions such as Data Analytics, Leadership and Management, Team Leading, Business Administration, HR, Learning and Development, Customer Service, Commercial and Marketing.”
Work continues on the development of the apprenticeship, available in England and Wales. It's hoped that the first apprentices will start in September 2018 on their career in ONS and the Government Statistics profession. Follow the GSS website and @UKGSS Twitter for updates on the apprenticeship or find out more about Data Science at the Campus site.
The Data Scientist apprenticeship standard has also been published.
ONS and Welsh Government have already seen the success of the apprenticeship approach with a flagship foundation degree data analytics apprenticeship in Wales. Forty apprentices are currently undertaking this qualification.
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