Data analyst-statistician apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipa graduate training scheme
University
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate award in:
- statistics
- mathematics
- economics
- operational research
- psychology
Other subjects may be acceptable if they include formal training in statistics as part of the course, for example social science or geography.
Some university courses offer an industrial placement or sandwich year, which allows you to work in industry or commerce as part of your studies. This could be useful when you look for jobs after you finish your course.
You'll usually need 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including maths. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.
College
You may be able to start by doing a Data Analyst Technician T Level. This could give you some of the skills you need to apply for a trainee position with a company. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Apprenticeship
You could start in a junior data analysis role through a data technician Level 3 apprenticeship.
You could go on to complete a data analysis higher apprenticeship or data scientist degree apprenticeship. To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Volunteering
The Royal Statistical Society advertise volunteering opportunities, which give you the chance to use your skills to help community organisations and charities. This is a good way to increase your understanding of how statistics can be put to good use in wider society.
Other Routes
You can apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. You'll need a good degree pass or postgraduate qualification to do this.
The GSS also directly recruits graduates, and those with equivalent and relevant experience, into positions like statistical officer.
Data analyst-statistician apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work on your own
- concentration skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Data analyst-statistician apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on the industry or sector, you might:
- help to design scientific research studies
- use statistical software to analyse risk, for example in insurance
- look for trends and patterns to help organisations and government
- make policy decisions
- investigate market research into consumer habits and feedback
- analyse results from clinical trials
- create models to predict demand for services or goods
- check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression - Data analyst-statistician apprenticeships
You can use your skills to work in a lot of different areas, for example healthcare, finance, environment, sport and e-commerce.
With experience, you could progress into management, move into academic teaching and research or work as a freelance consultant.