Data Engineer Level 5 Apprenticeship
Building scalable data solutions
The Data Engineer Level 5 apprenticeship comprehensively covers the in-demand knowledge and skills crucial for the proficient design, development, and management of complex data systems, turning your data community from a cost-centre to a profit-centre.
Trusted by 4,000+ organisations
Why choose the Data Engineer programme?
Empower your data community
Data engineering is the bridge between raw data and actionable insights. This programme equips your organisation with the critical skills needed to build systems that transform data into valuable information for strategic decision-making. This programme enables to learners to:
- Capture unseen insights
- Harness AI and machine learning
- Unlock time and cost savings
Data Engineer - Programme Overview
- Details of standard: Data Engineer
- Level: 5
- Total cost: £19,000
- Programme duration: 21 months
- Live instructor sessions: 23 days
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this programme are as follows:
A Level 3 qualification in a relevant area in any grade.
Acceptable qualifications include, any of:
- Two A levels in one or more similar subject*
- Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject
- International Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject
- BTEC Extended Diploma in a similar subject
- Experience with programming languages (such as Python)
OR equivalent work experience: 2-3 years in a similar subject-related role.
*'Similar subject' relates to areas directly relevant to or commensurate with 'Digital and Technology Solutions'. Typically this would be areas such as but not limited to Level 3 digital apprenticeships, A-Level/BTEC Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, Software Engineering, etc.
Please note: Learners must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.
Learner journey
This programme combines live workshops, self-paced learning, and on-the-job application.
Learners are supported by a dedicated Digital Learning Consultant (DLC) and follow QA’s “Discover, Practise, Apply” methodology.
Modules | 17 months
Module 1: Fundamentals of Data Engineering
Module 2: Data Storage and Management
Module 3: Data Processing, Transformation & ETL
Module 4: Planning a Data Engineering Product
Module 5: Data Engineering Product Development
Module 6: Data Operations
Module 7: Emerging Technologies & Personal Development
EPA | 4 months
- Project report with presentation
- Professional discussion
Optional certifications
- Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203)
- AWS Data Engineer Associate
Qualification
IfATE DE5 Qualification Award
Job roles
This programme is suitable for multiple roles, such as:
- Data Engineer
- Data Developer
- Cloud Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- ETL Developer
- Database Engineer
- Data Operations Analyst
- Data Product Developer
- Data Governance Specialist
Funding
There is no cost to you as an apprentice. Apprenticeships are fully funded through your employer.
If you are an employer, the maximum funding for this programme is £19,000. Expenses for travel to QA centres should be covered by the employer.
Find out how your organisation could benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy.
Tools and technologies
Apprentices will learn to use a variety of tools and technologies, including:
Databases
• SQL Server
• NoSQL
Data warehousing and processing
• SQL Server-based Data Warehouses
• Synapse Analytics
• Python
• PySpark
• SQL (Structured Query Language)
• Apache Spark
• Azure Databricks
Cloud platforms
• Azure
• AWS
Data engineering services
• Azure Storage
• Azure Synapse
• Azure Data Flows
• Azure Data Factory
• Azure Stream Analytics
• Azure Databricks
• Azure Data Governance
• AWS Storage
• AWS Athena
• AWS Glue
• AWS EMR
• AWS MSK
Security and governance
• OpenSSL
• Microsoft Purview
• Identity & Access Management
(IAM) Tools
• Data Anonymization Tools
Business intelligence and visualisation
• Power BI
Version control
• Git
Containerisation and orchestration
• Docker
• Kubernetes
Development environments
• Jupyter Notebooks
Infrastructure as code
• Terraform
Digital by Design
Our market-leading approach accelerates skill development and achievement through our Discover, Practise, Apply methodology, ensuring that both learners and employers are fully supported throughout their programme.
Discover
Leveraging QA’s learning platform, learners follow a development path focused on their job role.
Practise
Learners come together for instructor-led training sessions, practising their skills through hands-on labs and sandboxes in a safe environment.
Apply
These learnings are applied through work-based activities at key and sequenced stages, supported by Digital Learning Consultants.
Downloads
Download programme guideWhat our learners say
"I saw data as something that is always going to be needed in every company. I wanted learn somewhere with hands-on experience, which I would say is as important as the qualification, and that's something that you get much more in an apprenticeship. In my day-to-day role I troubleshoot people's issues and make databases to make everyone's life easier.”
“Originally I was trying to get into med school but couldn’t garner enough funding. I had heard about apprenticeships in school before so I thought I should give that a try. Now, I’m getting paid to learn something I love to do and I really do feel I could become anything and that the sky’s the limit. I think apprenticeships are inclusive, flexible, and challenging.”
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