Commercial Data Apprentice Review

by British Gas

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I run a SAS data tables update on Mondays and send out emails with the relevant files to stakeholders. On Wednesdays I complete a performance report for one of the businesses. On other days I do a project which is transferring a data process to a new scripting language and new server. I have had 2 roles. The second is creating reporting dashboards in power BI to easily gather data when questioned on it by senior leaders.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt about the SAS language and its softwares. I have learned R and R studio and some python. I have developed my SQL knowledge. I have got to apply this all in work and get to see a script though it’s data lifecycle and into production. I have learned about shell scripting. I have got to use lots of new software. I have developed more business and industry knowledge and the organisation, structure and policies of a company. I have used power BI to create reporting dashboards.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have enjoyed the programme a lot as it has given me new skills and the many opportunities to develop my knowledge and business awareness. I have had responsibility which has given me job satisfaction. I have had the chance to do other things outside my job role such as hackathons with other apprentices, knowledge share events, womens network, visits to the appropriate sites for business awareness, creating news letters and attending award ceremonies. I have felt supported when needed. I am glad to have chosen Centrica for my apprenticeship development.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Structure could improve but overall good.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Support from my managers and team leads when reaching out. Some mentoring but could have more mentoring.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Given me the ability to pass and answered questions however I was without a skills coach when mine went on leave for a few months so no progress meetings.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It was more focused on coding and statistical work in R but in my role I do more dashboards creating and using excel. Having to learn through other resources for my role now. However it has given me lots of exposure to different aspects of a data analyst.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes many. Womens network, award ceremonies, in-person team meetings, working with an external business partner in a hackathon project, delivering a presentation with other apprentices on our experience in a knowledge share day with graduates, attending the gas museum, academy visits, being an editor of a newsletter.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend British Gas to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I enjoyed it and it has given me a qualification and lots of different exposures to launch my career. I have got to network and develop business knowledge and soft skills. It had improved my CV greatly. The support and culture is great and inclusive workforce. The skilled and experienced people are amazing to work with.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to British Gas?

Lots of experience is not always needed, showing you are capable and eager to learn new skills is key. Be honest and be yourself, Centrica is an inclusive place. The people are friendly and open to questions. Take every opportunity to network and join projects and reach out to people when help is needed.