Data apprenticeships
Upskill your teams to master data analytics, engineering, and governance, enabling evidence‑based decisions with our data apprenticeships.
Our industry-leading data apprenticeship programmes include the Level 3 Data Essentials, Level 4 Data Analyst and Level 5 Data Engineer programmes.
Data apprenticeship programmes
Upskill your team with essential data skills with apprenticeship programmes funded through the UK government's growth and skills levy.
Our data apprenticeships are powered by our partnerships with industry-leading technology organisations, like Databricks, and designed to train the data analysts and engineers of tomorrow. All of our programmes include Microsoft Copilot training as standard, giving all learners the skills they need to bring high-impact skills to their role.
Data Essentials Level 3 Apprenticeship
Course summary
The Data Essentials Level 3 Programme transforms data citizens into data specialists by building analytical confidence and accelerating skills in data literacy, visualisation, and storytelling.
Data Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship
Course summary
The Data Analyst Level 4 programme equips organisations with critical skills for effective data analysis, applying statistics and modelling to improve predictions and unlock valuable business insights.
Databricks Engineer Level 5 Apprenticeship
Course summary
Our Databricks Engineer Level 5 apprenticeship programme is designed to provide learners with a strong foundation for the development of advanced technical skills on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.
Data Engineer Level 5 Apprenticeship
Course summary
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.
Business Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship
Course summary
The Business Analyst Level 4 Programme develops professionals who can analyse, model, and improve business processes – driving transformation through evidence-based decision-making.
BSc Digital & Technology Solutions
Course summary
Drive innovation within your organisation by developing adaptable digital professionals, equipped with a strong foundation in computing, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Data apprenticeship testimonials and learner stories
“We’re creating a level playing field with QA. We can bring employees in from stores and build up their foundations in data. We have amazing opportunities in our technology team, like consumer analytics.”
“The Business Analyst apprenticeship delivered clear and measurable benefits for individuals and the business. John and Samuel shifted from subject matter experts to confident Business Analysts with the right tool kits, structured methods and frameworks - improving analysis, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.”
“We’ve been blown away with the quality of the candidates that have been put in front of us. If these candidates are representative of the level of the capabilities that are coming out of the schools in Scotland I think we are in an extremely good place as a nation and a tech nation for the future.”
“We chose QA because of their ability to tailor apprenticeship programmes to suit our specific needs.”
“We highly recommend apprenticeship programmes to any businesses that have yet to explore this opportunity.”
“Apprenticeships are a good opportunity for individuals looking to make a career in IT. We see apprenticeships as investing in young people. We like the idea of growing our own talent within the company. This gives them a good grounding on learning, and gives us time to make sure they are the right people for our company.”
“We did not expect apprentices to move into core roles so quickly!”
Delivering data apprenticeships to the Ministry of Justice
QA's data apprenticeship programme has proven to be a valuable solution for the Ministry of Justice, addressing both immediate skills gaps and long-term workforce needs.
Costa Coffee: Building a Data Dream Team Through Apprenticeships
Hear first-hand how apprenticeships at Costa transformed careers, from overcoming challenges to discovering new career paths, and the impact of hands-on learning, mentorship, and dedication in unlocking new opportunities at Costa Coffee.
Abdullah's Story - Data Technician Apprentice
Abdullah tried different paths in college before choosing a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship. Inspired by his cousins, he took this route to gain hands-on experience, earn while learning, and build a tech career. The apprenticeship also introduced him to the property industry, giving him valuable experience in a new field.
Why QA apprenticeships?
Data apprenticeships FAQs
What is a data apprenticeship?
A data apprenticeship is a funded learning programme, that helps individuals and businesses to upskill in key data skills, such as analytics, engineering, modelling and more.
The UK is facing a huge shortage in data professionals, and an apprenticeship programme is one way that businesses can close their data skills gaps.
There are a number of apprenticeship standards designed for data roles, including the Data Technician Level 3, Data Analyst Level 4 and Data Engineer Level 5. These standards are designed by businesses, for businesses, ensuring that data apprenticeship programmes are fully aligned with organisational needs and priorities.
Data apprenticeships are fully funded through the growth and skills levy, a government scheme designed to help businesses bring in new talent and upskill existing team members.
What skills will I develop as a data apprentice?
The skills a data professional needs a rapidly evolving, due to the emergence and evolution of AI technology.
That's why all QA apprentices will receive Microsoft Copilot training as standard, as part of their apprenticeship programme. This allows them to inject high-impact AI skills back into their role.
Data apprenticeship programmes include a range of technical and soft skilling. This includes learning coding languages, like Python or R, learning how to manage databases using SQL, and understanding how to develop dashboards and reports for simple and effective analysis.
Learners are also likely to learn key soft skills, such as how to tell stories with data, and how to intertwine insights with wider commercial priorities and business objectives.
More advanced apprenticeships, such as the Level 5 Data Engineer programme, are likely to focus on technical skills, such as working with large and complex data sets, data governance and automating data workflows.
What does a career path look like for data apprentices?
- Data analysts learn to uncover patterns, trends and insights that help businesses to make better decisions. They also work with data visualisation, perform a wide range of analysis and predict future outcomes.
- Data roles are diverse and can lead to a broad range of career paths, from senior analysts to emerging roles, such as AI engineer, and senior positions, such as Chief Data Officer.
- Given the ever-changing nature of data and technology, the role of a data professional is always evolving and the roles of today, may look very different in the future. This makes data an exciting career choice.
- Data professionals can expand their skill sets, by undertaking data training, in key areas such as data science courses and data engineering training.
How does data skills benefit businesses?
Skilled data and business analysts can provide businesses with an advantage over their competition, through greater insights and data-driven decisions. This can include analysing business performance, predicting future outcomes and support with critical decision making.
These actionable insights can help to optimise processes, improve business performance and enable greater adaptability.
There are a wide range of data certifications available which can help data analysts support businesses. These cover a wide range of topics, from GDPR and data privacy certifications, to data centre certifications, data warehousing and more.
Where in the UK does QA provide data apprenticeships?
We provide data apprenticeships for businesses across the UK and Scotland, helping to close skills gaps and overcome talent shortages.
Data apprenticeships in London
London is the largest market in the UK for data apprenticeships and jobs in data. We work with a number of businesses in London to upskill team members into data analyst and data engineer roles.
Find a data apprenticeship in London, or talk to our team about how to upskill in data, and how you could benefit from apprenticeship levy funding.
Become an apprentice
If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can get in touch with us via our Apprenticeship platform.