Powering public health intelligence: How NECS built data talent through apprenticeships

The challenge

Behind every data point in public health is a person, a story and a need. Turning that data into insight is how these services are improved, and needs are met.

NECS (North of England Care System Support) plays a vital role in supporting NHS systems, local communities and patient care across the region. As the demand for public health intelligence grows, so does the complexity of the data behind it and the need for specialised talent.

Their team faced a significant challenge: a shortage of Public Health Intelligence Analysts. These roles require a specialised skillset that’s difficult to recruit for, especially in a market where data talent is in high demand.

NECS needed a solution that could address the skills shortage while also reflecting its values of working collaboratively with and for its customers.

The solution

To tackle this challenge, NECS partnered with QA to create the Andy Billet Programme – a flexible apprenticeship scheme underpinned by QA’s Data Analyst Level 4 apprenticeship.

Affectionately named in memory of former Public Health colleague Andy Billet, the programme set out to grow talent from within. Apprentices rotate across NHS organisations and local authorities over two years, bringing fresh skills and perspectives into the organisation, while also gaining the support and insights needed to thrive.

For the apprentices, the programme has been career changing. Tommy Clark, Public Health Intelligence Apprentice, shared “I applied because I wanted a challenge. This apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to develop my career. It’s really improved my confidence in presenting important data clearly.”

Key outcomes

The apprenticeship has already delivered lasting results.

One standout example is Lily Nesbitt, an apprentice who joined Gateshead Council as part of her programme. Her impact was so valuable that, instead of rotating her to another organisation, the council created a permanent role to keep her.

This is just one of many success stories. The programme is helping NECS build a pipeline of capable, confident analysts and deliver on its commitment to social responsibility by recruiting people from diverse walks of life, opening new pathways into public health and data careers.

Conclusion

For NECS, the apprenticeship programme has become more than a training initiative, it marks a turning point in how data is used to support public health.

Apprentices have grown into confident analysts, now using advanced tools such as Python, Power BI, and SQL to transform raw data into meaningful insight. They’re not just running reports – they’re shaping decisions, uncovering trends and telling the stories behind the numbers.

This growing in-house capability means NECS can respond faster, think smarter, and deliver even greater impact for the NHS, local authorities, and the communities they serve.