Data Analyst Review

I am working as a data analyst, this involves , creating reports in response to ad hoc requests for data. General administration of data access requests. Sourcing data form primary providers, Cleaning processing, transforming and uploading data to the analytics SQL database. Maintenance and updates of current business MI in the form of power bi reports. Project work creating new dataflows, reports and generating insights in response to business requests and requirements.

During my apprenticeship I have enhanced my skills and knowledge of many data concepts, including data governance and security. General data concepts such as types of data, how they are stored and used by businesses. I have also leaned about the analytics project cycle, from business understanding, to data understanding, to data preparation, to analytics and then presenting findings. I have developed new technical skills, including scripting in SQL, how to create reports in power BI and analyse data in Excel along with the basics of M language and DAX. Finally I have been encouraged to work on my soft skills and have learned, techniques for better communication in the work place, working well as part of a team, project planning and time management.

There have been parts of the programme that I have really enjoyed and found really useful, mainly the technical skills and the opportunity to put these skills into practice. Some parts were poorly delivered and seemed irrelevant but have obviously been made a requirement such as, much of the sections on safeguarding, prevent and British Values, I can see why they are included but they feel tacked on and unnecessary at the level/environment this training was delivered at .

Generally the programme was well organised and structured. Some improvements could be made, the software used for the admin and learning was a little clunky and overly complicated. Classes were generally on time and did not over run, but sometimes felt like they did not flow with the other content very well or repeated what had already been learned with little additional insight provided by trainer. A more structured approach to how and when topics were covered would have been useful. Covering basics needed to complete a project first such as basics of excel/power bi, then expanding the knowledge looking at different types of data and their sources, looking deeper at the underlying concepts and issues such as data governance and protection, finishing off with more advanced topics such as coding would have been a more appropriate structure, would have enabled concepts to be built upon in a more structured manner.

I changed employer during my apprenticeship, so will comment on both Original employer was Marks and Spencer who I started the apprenticeship programme with. They were encouraging at first and provided the tools I needed to get started, and seem keen to upskill their workforce. However at the level of my manager, and those I attempted to reach out to for additional support I had very little help. Due to the nature of the role I was in it would have benefited me greatly to get some additional exposure to other roles in the business but this was not forthcoming. That said I was at least given a aggreged amount of time each week to complete my work. My current employer Amey despite not having supported this category of apprenticeship before were much more supportive, this was partly due to my manager who made sure I had all in needed and discussed projects with me to meet my remaining requirements. Given my experience with my previous employer they were also happy to give me additional time to catch up where I was behind.

Generally the support from the provider was good, although it was obvious that the work load of the advisors was high. Some of the standard of marking seemed generic and did not give enough to work on, or in some cases asked for things that were already provided, but had been skim read. The work was in the main part marked quickly although when my advisor was off for medical treatment the one who provided cover didn't seem to give as much support.

around seventy percent of the training was good and has given me a solid grounding in the relevant subject areas and skills I need to perform my role. I feel confident in using the tools that were covered, although some of the training that was not directly produced by Babington in particular the excel training that was given, was of poor quality and was difficult and boring to complete.

There don't seem to be any social event and activities or professional networking events provided by amey themselves. Although there seems to be a generally positive culture in the part of the business I work in, and my team in particular ensure to go out for group lunches and make time to celebrate life events.

Yes

There are some negatives about the company, such as a feel of a lack of direction at times and a lack of a cohesive strategy particularly when it comes to the digital culture of the business. It feels like every team does things their own way and there is no-one overseeing and ensuring consistency. However due to a recent change in ownership and leadership there seems to be a big push currently to improve, if it comes to fruition the company will be well placed to grow and thrive.

All the standard advice when applying for a large company applies here, research their culture, values and find out about the range of services Amey offer. In particular look into what the part of the business you are interested in is doing currently in your area. They prioritise individuals who will fit well into the team and who have a positive attitude and strive to improve themselves and their work/processes.