Data Analyst Apprentice Review

I work with the customer insight specialist to create reports detailing our customer bases profile and the profile of customers that we are hoping to target with specific products. I also help support our marketing team by creating MI reports which allow management to understand how effective our ongoing marketing campaigns are and highlight any key strong weeks. I also work on more long term projects supporting data visualisation and mapping of contacts within the company.

I have developed my ability to use numerous systems including but not restricted to all MS Office applications. I've also greatly developed my ability to code using SQL and have begun to develop my coding ability in R Studio. As well as this I have improved my ability to communicate with key internal stakeholders.

I enjoy my program as it ties in greatly with my day to day work. This allows me to see my progress develop through both a theoretical knowledge basis and a more practical skills means. The programme on offer for apprentices here at the society is great as its massively supportive and keeps you connected with other apprentices throughout the business allowing for numerous networking events and also supports you in learning as part of a group by allowing me and other learners undertaking data qualifications to help each other develop our skills.

The programme follows a solid structure but can also be adaptable which is incredibly useful at times. We have regular meetings with the learning providers followed by meeting in between from a technical trainer who will set exercises to be completed to support your learning. Any assessments undertaken are done when you're knowledge is at a suitable level as opposed to being on a set date which allows you to be confident in your abilities prior to the exams.

My employer supports me massively by providing any resources or time that I may need. If I feel like I need a large chunk of time to work on my learning I'm fully confident that my employer will allow me time away from regular workplace activites to supplement this.

I have regular meetings both with someone who checks in on how I am feeling with the progression of my learning and with a technical trainer who sets me specific tasks to complete to supplement my learning. My provider has provided me with books and other resources and can also provide me with anything additional should I require.

It has grown my confidence in using MS excel in particular which I use regularly in my role here. Its also helped develop my ability to code which has allowed me to speed up many of my usual processes at work by writing in code as opposed to using a drag and drop UI.

There's free yoga lessons held once a week as well as free use of the gym. The staff association also runs numerous subsidised trips to events such as theatres, concerts, zoos and sporting events. Also volunteering is highly encouraged throughout the business with team volunteering days being organised or individual volunteering with time spent volunteering being able to be claimed back from your working hours.

Yes

I enjoy my work here due to the responsibility of actual work I'm doing. When I do a piece of work here I feel as though I'm really contributing to the success of the business. Any time you go out of your way to support anyone that isn't in your regular job this is recognised immediately and rewarded. Positive impacts that you make on your team/business are noticed and highlighted and anything that could be improved is also addressed through constructive feedback. This allows you to grow as an employee while also not having the positives overlooked. The people throughout the society are all incredibly supportive of each other both through as friends and through supporting your professional development. Attempting to find an apprenticeship in a role relating to data was difficult due to a lack of companies offering roles but here I have found my way into a business which cares about my growth and development as much as it does its own whilst also rewarding me thorough a great initial wage and other benefits within the society.

Keep trying! I was not successful with my first attempt into the society but they called me stating they had another role which was similar to the initial one I'd tried for and if I was willing they'd like me to return for another interview. Best decision I've ever made