Data Science Degree Apprenticeship Level 6 - GSS - EO

Are you interested in data analytics and the tools and skills that aid problem solving?

Do you use mathematics to solve problems?

Would you like the opportunity to earn whilst you learn’?  

If you are looking for a career change with a pathway into the Civil Service, or a recent school leaver unsure whether to choose between continuing your studies or working, then this could be the role for you.

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to be in employment with the added bonus of being able to 'earn as you learn.' Once you have completed your apprenticeship you will be equipped with all the relevant knowledge to progress within your chosen career path.

The use and management of data is becoming ever more important in a modern economy. Data science plays a key role in driving competitiveness and better public services, improving the lives of us as citizens. In order to realise the potential new data sources hold, we need to be alive to opportunities as they arise and ensure people have the right skills to unleash innovation through data science across the public sector.

This really is an exciting opportunity to come and work at the heart of Data Science and join like-minded experienced teams of Data Scientists across Government.

As a Data Science Apprentice, you will have a passion for maths and data science and be enthusiastic about the real day to day challenges presented from a broad span of projects for government.

This apprenticeship is an entry route to two professions Government Statistical Group (GSG) and Government Operational Research Service (GORS), candidates can specify during the application process which profession they would prefer to pursue.

To find out more about these professions please refer to the links below

GSS - https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/government-statistical-service-and-statistician-group/

GORS - https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/government-operational-research-service/

Once you have completed your apprenticeship you will be equipped with all the relevant knowledge to progress within your chosen career path. You will be eligible to  apply for GSG Statistical Officer or GORS Operational Research Analyst roles across government which are regularly advertised on Civil Service Jobs You can also visit our GSS Apprenticeship page or the  to learn more about opportunities that will be available to you on completion of your Apprenticeship and to find out some further information.

Job description

The Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is an opportunity for individuals interested in maths and data, to work towards a recognised degree alongside full time employment in government.

If you are unsure of the next step in your career, or if University is right for you, then this role may be exactly what you are looking for. 

Roles could include:

• Conducting data analysis and visualisation of key datasets used to produce the required statistics.
• Using scientific and mathematical techniques to find better solutions to complex management problems and improve decision making in government.
• Producing design documents and diagrams for data processing systems, considering the statistical or data processing methods that are needed for the task, as well as the design of the overall data model.
• Maintaining and reviewing documentation for statistical and data processing functions, as well as data processing pipelines

What is included in the apprenticeship?

In England the course will be delivered by the University of Nottingham and will follow a hybrid model that includes a requirement for some attendance at the university. The programme will be 42 months, with the last six months being dedicated to the End Point Assessment.

In Wales the course will be delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan and is taught in person. The programme will be 36 months.

Brochures from both universities are attached and can be found at the bottom of this advert

The outline will likely cover the below topics.

Indicative modules:
• Programming
• Maths for Data Science
• Probability, Statistics & Data Analysis
• Practice in Inter-disciplinary problem solving
• Analysis and Optimisation
• Data Communication
• Databases
• Geometry and Groups
• Modelling and Numerical Analysis
• Graphs, Networks & Complex Systems
• Data Visualisation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Data Applications

For more information on the apprenticeship, please visit the Institute for Apprenticeships page on the GSS Website

GSS apprenticeships – Government Analysis Function (civilservice.gov.uk)

* Candidates who are offered an apprenticeship may also be invited to apply for a permanent role as a Statistical Officer or Operational Research Analyst in Government. To do this, candidates who are on track to successfully complete their Apprenticeship will be given a Fast Pass through the application process and invited to undertake the Statistical Officer or Government Operational Researcher  Assessment. This consists of the GSS online test (for GSG) or Problem Structuring Test (for GORS) and, if successful, candidates will be offered an interview to assess their suitability for the permanent role via technical and behavioural assessment. Government Statistician Group and Government Operational Research roles are also advertised to external candidates on Civil Service Jobs. 

Person specification

• Complete both on the job and off the job training. You will be studying towards a BSc in Data Science as part of this Level 6 Apprenticeship
• Select and develop new techniques for solving complex related problems
• Apply these techniques and learn how to showcase them to colleagues
• Develop new skills by using data science techniques


What are we looking for?
Are you:
• Dynamic
• Adaptable
• Innovative in your approach and like to explore new ways of working
• Inquisitive
• Creative
• A team worker
• Good at IT and have an aptitude for maths
• An outstanding problem solver

Standard eligibility criteria for apprenticeship funding:

You are a UK citizen (or have the Right of Abode in the UK, or are a citizen of a country within the
EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland and have been ordinarily resident in such country for at least the last 3 years; with (or eligible for) status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

A non-EEA citizen with permission from the UK government to live in the UK, (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the start of learning.

Qualifications

To apply for this apprenticeship, you will need to have, or hope to obtain by September 2025 the following:

• GCSE Mathematics at minimum Grade 5 or equivalent, GCSE English Language at minimum Grade 4 or equivalent

• 3 A-Levels at BBC or above, to include C or above in Mathematics. The following A Levels are not accepted Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking.
Or;
• Level 4 apprenticeship (Merit or Distinction) in a similar subject (i.e. Level 4 Data Analytics)

Candidate are required to fill in the ‘GSS_Apprenticeship_Qualification_Form' document that’s attached to this advert. Failure to complete and attach this form will result in your application being rejected.

Candidates can apply on the strength of their predicted A Levels grades. Applications will be put on hold until such time that the qualification criteria has been met.

Any “Data Science” or “Computer Science” qualification achieved at degree level or higher will make you ineligible for this apprenticeship.
Qualifications with modules of data analysis or/ data science or computer science up to a level 4 will also need to be checked to ensure you are eligible for funding.

All qualifications will be checked on a case by case basis at the sifting application stage.

The apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge;

• You must not already have a qualification of the same type, content and level

• You must not be undertaking another apprenticeship at the same time.

• You must not hold a qualification which makes you eligible to join the GSG or GORS graduate routes (A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject containing taught statistical content ; or a higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Technical presentation provided in advance of the interview