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Apprenticeship
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Digital
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Statistics
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About the job
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Things you need to know
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About the job
Job summary
Do you seek to apply mathematics to solve problems?
Would you like an amazing experience, an attractive starting salary and the opportunity to gain a formal qualification?
If you are looking for a career change with a pathway into the Civil Service, or a recent school leaver unsure whether to choose between continuing your study or work, then this could just be the role for you.
Apprenticeships provide an exciting opportunity to be in employment with the added bonus of being able to 'earn as you learn.' Once you have completed your apprenticeship you will be equipped with all the relevant knowledge to progress within your chosen career path.
The use and management of data is becoming ever more important in a modern economy. Data science plays a key role in driving competitiveness and better public services, improving the lives of us as citizens. In order to realise the potential new data sources hold, we need to be alive to opportunities as they arise and ensure people have the right skills to unleash innovation through data science across the public sector.
This really is an exciting opportunity to come and work at the heart of Data Science and join like-minded experienced teams of Data Scientists across Government.
As a Data Analytics Apprentice, you will have a passion for maths and data science and be enthusiastic about the real day to day challenges presented from a broad span of projects for government.
Job description
If you are unsure on the next step in your career, unsure if university is right for you, then please consider this role.
Roles could include:
- Conducting data analysis and visualization of key datasets used to produce the required statistics.
- Producing design documents and diagrams for data processing systems, considering the statistical or data processing methods that are needed for the task, as well as the design of the overall data model.
- Maintaining and reviewing documentation for statistical and data processing functions, as well as data processing pipelines
What is included in the apprenticeship?
The programme will be 2 years and will be delivered in England by QA training. The outline will likely cover the below topics. (Candidates in Wales may be under a different training provider).
Education providers information is attached below.
The outline will likely cover the below topics.
Indicative modules:
- Introduction to Data
- Data Structure and Databases Using Python and SQL
- Data Analysis and Compliance
- Data Modelling and Database Design
- Data Architecture
- Requirements for Data Architectures and Analysis
- Integration and Data Analysis Tools 1
- Integration and Data Analysis Tools 2
For more information on the apprenticeship, please visit the Institute for Apprenticeships page on the GSS Website:
GSS apprenticeships – Government Analysis Function (civilservice.gov.uk)
- Candidates who are offered an apprenticeship may also be invited to apply for a permanent role as a Statistical Officer in Government. To do this, candidates who are on track to successfully complete their Apprenticeship will be given a Fast Pass through the application process and invited to undertake the Statistical Officer Assessment. This consists of the GSS online test and if successful, candidates will be offered an interview to assess their suitability for the permanent role via technical and behavioural assessment. Government Statistical Services roles are also advertised to external candidates on Civil Service Jobs.
Person specification
- Complete both on the job and off the job training. You will be studying towards a Level 4 Data Analytics Apprenticeship.
- Select and develop new techniques for solving complex related problems;
- Apply these techniques and learn how to showcase them to colleagues;
- Develop new skills by using data science techniques;
- Work in a project management way.
What are we looking for?
Are you:
- Dynamic;
- Adaptable;
- Innovative in your approach and like to explore new ways of working;
- Inquisitive;
- Creative;
- Somebody that loves working in teams and collaborating with all sorts of different people;
- Good at IT and have an aptitude for maths;
- An outstanding problem solver.
Standard eligibility criteria for apprenticeships apply:
You are a UK citizen (or have the Right of Abode in the UK, or are a citizen of a country within the
EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland and have been ordinarily resident in such country for at least the last 3 years; with (or eligible for) status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- You must hold GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above.
The apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge;
- You must not already have a qualification of the same type, content and level
- You must not be undertaking another apprenticeship at the same time.
- You must not hold a qualification which makes you eligible to join the GSS graduate route (A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar); or a higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
Qualifications
- GCSEs (or Level 2) in Maths and English at Grade C/Grade 4 or above AND EITHER
- Level 3 IT Apprenticeship in a technical subject;
OR;
- Two A-Levels including Mathematics or ICT with strong English skills
Candidate are required to fill in the ‘GSS_Apprenticeship_Qualification_Form' document that’s attached to this advert. Failure to complete and attach this form will result in your application being rejected.
Candidates can apply on the strength of their predicted A Levels grades. Applications will be put on hold until such time that the qualification criteria has been met.
With regards to qualifications that fall outside of eligibility criteria we would advise any “Data Analysis” qualification achieved at a level 4 or higher will be ineligible. Any qualifications containing modules of data analysis at level 4 or higher will also need to be considered to check regarding funding eligibility. Examples of Data Analysis qualifications that would make an applicant ineligible would be a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship (framework), a Data Analysis Degree, HNC or HND. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and we look at every learner on a case by case basis. Qualifications in maths and Statistics are not Data Analysis qualifications and therefore would meet the eligibility requirements.
All qualifications will be checked on a case by case basis at the sifting stage.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical presentation provided in advance of the interview
Benefits
Working in the GSS means you:
- Have the opportunity to work across a range of government departments, agencies and other public bodies playing a pivotal role in government decision making
- Contribute to society with a unique chance to work on a breadth of projects and issues that make a real difference for the public good
- Challenge and stretch yourself to develop your career and reach your full potential
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working hours
- Highly competitive pension
This breadth of opportunity is what sets the Civil Service apart from any other employer.
We take the well-being of employees seriously and we consider everyone, in whatever department or location in the country to be part of a diverse and inclusive GSS family.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Step 1 - Short application and online test.
Upon submission of Part 1 your application form you will be sent an invitation to complete the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning test.
There will be full instructions on how to complete the test including an opportunity to practice before undertaking the actual test. These tests are not time limited.
If you fail the test your application will not proceed to the next stage. If you pass the test for this vacancy, you will be invited to complete the final stage of your application.
Step 2 – CV and Personal Statement
Your CV should cover details of qualifications and employment history and any relevant skills and experience.
Employment history is not a requirement of this role, we welcome applications from both those with and without employment history.
Submit a personal statement of 1000 words based on the questions outlined below.
In your Personal Statement we are looking for evidence of:
1 . What interests you about the apprenticeship? (Developing self and others)
2. Given the length of this apprenticeship, how will you ensure that you are motivated to keep track of your performance in order to complete the programme? (Developing Self and others)
3. There are times when we receive feedback from others that we don’t want to hear. How would you ensure you acted on that feedback while maintaining a good relationship with that person? (Working together/Communicating and influencing).
4. What has been your biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome this? (Developing Self and Others)
As the criteria are scored, we would recommend that you give clear examples. Your responses will be scored based on the Success Profiles Behaviours listed alongside the questions. .
Interview
Step 3 - Interview:
If you are successful at step 1 and 2 you will be invited to an online interview this will consist of a technical exercise comprising of a verbal presentation around a data set provided and an interview.
The Technical exercise will give you the opportunity to show us your numeracy and analytical skills.
The interview will also assess a candidate's potential to:
- take ownership of their development;
- analyse data;
- be able to work at pace, both individually and in a team.
Questions will align to Civil Service Behaviours;
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 6 months from which further appointments may be made.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an assessment.
Sifting will commence from WC 3rd April 2023
Interviews will be scheduled from WC 17th and 24th April 2023
A reserve list may be held for period of up to 6 months from which further appointments can be made. Candidates should note this is a multi-location campaign and therefore the reserve list is recorded by location in merit order.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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