Data scientist (integrated degree)
Level 6 · DegreeDigital 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This degree-level apprenticeship develops expert data scientists who can turn large, complex datasets into actionable insights for their employer. You will learn advanced statistical and machine learning techniques while applying them to real business problems on the job. Graduates typically move into senior data science, machine learning engineering, or analytical leadership roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Machine learning algorithms and when to apply each one
Statistical modelling, probability, and experimental design
Python, R, and SQL for data analysis and model building
Data engineering pipelines and cloud data platforms
Communicating findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Ethics, bias, and responsible use of data and AI
Model evaluation, deployment, and monitoring in production
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Clean, explore, and visualise large datasets to find patterns
Build and train machine learning models to solve business problems
Write code to automate data pipelines and reporting
Present analytical findings to managers and business leaders
Collaborate with engineers to deploy models into live systems
Test models for bias and accuracy before release
Stay current with new data science tools and research
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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