From evidence to action: Apprenticeships & The Ministry of Justice

The challenge

Data is integral to decision-making within the criminal justice system. However, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) was facing significant challenges in scaling its data analytics capabilities.

The competitive job market made it challenging for the Ministry of Justice to meet their growing demand for skilled data professionals, and they struggled with sourcing the right candidates in this highly specialised area.

The solution

To address these issues, the Ministry of Justice partnered with QA to develop a specialised apprenticeship programme for analytics engineers, based on the Data Analyst Level 4 apprenticeship.

This programme combined structured learning with practical experience, equipping apprentices with the skills necessary to support the Ministry of Justice data-driven projects.

Over a 10-13 week period, apprentices completed advanced and hands-on technical training, which allowed them to immediately apply their learning to real-world challenges, boosting their confidence and enabling them to contribute effectively to the Ministry of Justice’s data initiatives.

The apprenticeship programme also offered the Ministry of Justice a sustainable way to build up its data capabilities, addressing both the short-term need for skilled professionals and the long-term need for a talent pipeline.

Key outcomes

• QA helped the Ministry of Justice successfully onboard their first cohort of Analytics Engineering apprentices by the agreed target date, marking the launch of the first programme of its kind across government.
• We delivered a positive and engaging candidate experience throughout an intensive eight-month selection and onboarding process.
• Following the completion of their programme, apprentices actively contributed to data-driven projects that enhance decision-making, drive operational efficiencies, and improve public services within the justice system.
• The apprenticeship model is now a core component of the Ministry of Justice’s long-term workforce strategy, providing an innovative approach to developing in-demand data skills.
  

Conclusion

From a pool of over 1,100 applicants, the Ministry of Justice were able to identify top candidates for advanced data engineering training through a robust filtering and assessment process.

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. The programme has helped the Ministry of Justice strengthen its data capabilities, improve recruitment practices, and foster a more diverse and inclusive talent pool.

The success of this initiative underscores the value of apprenticeships as an effective investment in building a skilled, capable workforce that can meet the demands of an increasingly data-driven future.