Level 6 Data Analyst Degree Apprentice Review

On a day-to-day basis I help manage, evolve and govern the data and analytic assets, including the data models and dashboards used to generate insights across a number of products and metrics to allow the business to make informed, data-driven decisions. I am involved in a major program to migrate these assets to Google Cloud Platform, which is very interesting and exciting to be part of.

I have developed skills in data modelling in Power Designer and dashboard designing in Qlik Sense. I am now developing new skills in cloud computing in GCP (Google Cloud Platform). I have learnt many skills over the past 3 years during my degree apprenticeship at Vodafone and continue to be provided with the opportunities to progress and develop further, including additional training outside of my apprenticeship training.

Choosing a degree apprenticeship and the data analyst programme specifically at Vodafone is one of the best decisions I have made. I have progressed so much at work and in my apprenticeship studies, which I know will be foundation to my success in the future. I love the programme I am on and the opportunities it has and continues to provide me.

The structure of the Digital Technology Solutions Degree programme is manageable alongside work responsibilities. The 10-week module structure that involves attending training workshops and completing an exam in the 9th week and submitting an assignment in the 10th week, is well spread out and gives learners enough time to absorb the content/research and translate the learning objectives into well written academic reports.

From my very first day at Vodafone, my line manager and team have been very supportive in helping me to strike a balance between work responsibilities and 20% off-the-job training for my apprenticeship. Even when I have needed more than the 20% off-the-job time, I have always been supported in getting this. They have been really helpful in providing me the opportunities and exposure to different tasks and activities to help me fulfil apprenticeship requirements.

My tutors and skills coach have always provided me with timely responses to questions or queries I have raised when working towards my qualifications. My tutors for the degree programme have been very knowledgeable and provided real-world examples to further my understanding of different topics and modules.

My apprenticeship aligns very well to my job role. I am able to translate the skills and knowledge I have learned in my apprenticeship studies to my job role and vice versa. This has helped me in taking on more responsibility at work and taking ownership of the data model assets in my team. Despite being an apprentice I have taken on the responsibilities of a full-time job role and my apprenticeship programme has assisted with that.

There are a vast number of extra-curricular activities available at Vodafone, including sports teams, computer coding teams and events, networking events and lunches with senior panel members, as well as, events that take place to celebrate Black History Month, International Women's Day, LGBTQ+ etc. Vodafone also provide 5 days of charitable leave each year, where you can do your bit to raise money and awareness for chosen charities. This is one of the reasons I am proud to work at Vodafone and why I intend to pursue a career with them after my degree apprenticeship comes to an end.

Yes

Vodafone is committed to delivering solutions to positively impact communities and do so much work outside of just providing networks and other services to achieve this. Not only that but they provide their employees including their graduates, interns and apprentices with the opportunities to develop and be part of very interesting and exciting projects. They are very supportive of the apprenticeship programme and developing their apprentices to be in a position to apply for complex, full-time roles after the programmes.

For someone applying to an apprenticeship programme at Vodafone, make sure you are an individual who is proactive, curious and open-minded when it comes to learning new technologies and ways of working. Apply for the programme that interests you and are passionate about, as this will benefit both your apprenticeship studies and development in the workplace. Be enthusiastic during the assessment process and think outside the box with new and upcoming digital technologies.