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Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Data Science Data Scientist

Information for employers

Develop and retain data science talent within your organisation with our Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship: a cost-effective way to develop data science knowledge and expertise to drive your organisation forward.

A man with glasses sits in front a computer screen showing data smiling at the camera

Developing the data scientists of the future

The Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship has been developed by ARU in consultation with leading employers and subject experts to build data science talent to meet emerging global demand. Apprentices will develop the skills and expertise to interrogate data, systems and approaches to unlock insights, improve organisational processes and inform decision making. 
 

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This apprenticeship is an ideal for those wanting to develop in Data Science, Informatics and Data Engineering roles, aspiring to be a specialist with a passion to analyse and use data to inform strategic and operational decision making. You may wish to create a new role within your organisation to attract fresh talent or develop your existing staff. The apprenticeship has been designed for employers who have a mentor to support and guide the apprentice in their study and career progression for the duration of the apprenticeship.

 

Capabilities that will benefit your business


A cost-effective way to develop and retain talent

Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Apprenticeship Levy funds to cover the cost of the apprenticeship, or receive funding support from the government.

If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3 million, you pay a levy of 0.5% of your payroll into a levy account. The cost of the Data Scientist programme for levy paying employers is £19,000 and this can be covered in full using the non-refundable funds in your levy account. If you exhaust the funds in your levy account, then the government will pay 95% of the outstanding fees and you will need to pay the remaining 5%.

If your organisation is not required to pay the levy, you will pay only 5% of the cost of the apprenticeship programme while the government pays the remaining 95%. The cost of the Data Scientist programme for non-levy paying employers is just £950.

For more about the Apprenticeship Levy, and to find out about any additional incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice from the government, please visit the key information section on our Degree apprenticeships for employers page.

Our team of dedicated consultants can talk you through the detail.

Delivered by experts, blending online and face-to-face learning

This cutting-edge course is taught through a blend of immersive teaching blocks, online study and an online machine learning and data engineering bootcamp, combining learning with sector specialists and practitioners.

At least 20% of apprentices contracted hours will be classed as ‘off the job’. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore is not part of their usual work duties. 

The off-the-job learning is delivered in a blended format combining teaching weeks on our Cambridge campus, together with online resources.

What are the entry requirements?

As an employer your business sets out the person specifications for the role, but the apprentice will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto the course. You can view the full entry requirements on our apprentice course page.

Our team of dedicated consultants can talk you through the detail.

Visit the apprentice course page for full course details

Helping you find the right apprentice

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Recruitment support

Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:

  • Crafting job advertisements
  • Promoting your vacancy to our registered and targeted candidate mailing list
  • Adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ on your behalf
  • Sharing opportunities across our social media channels.

Our consultants will also be happy to support you in determining the suitability of the candidates you receive.

Next steps

If you'd like to know more about the apprenticeship, have a current employee in mind or are thinking of recruiting an apprentice for your business, our designated team of experts are here to support you at every step. Get in touch today.