5 reasons your organisation should offer data apprenticeships

With the rapid development of technology causing a huge demand for skills, data apprenticeships are on the rise with 48% of businesses now recruiting for jobs in data. But why is this? And what benefits could they bring to your organisation? 

Here, we’ll be outlining some of the key advantages that taking on data apprentices can have – from upskilling your workforce to alleviating recruitment costs.  

1. Save on the costs (and stress) of recruitment 

Upskilling individuals within your organisation can save on costs and the associated stress of recruitment. By investing in apprenticeships – whether you’re hiring or enabling current employees to take on apprenticeships – you’ll support in providing targeted training and qualifications.  

As an employer, you’ll receive either full funding through the Apprenticeship Levy or a 5% contribution towards training costs - so the financial burden doesn’t fall solely on you. By taking on an apprentice, you’re effectively reducing expenses, fostering talent, and accessing cost-effective training.  

Find out more about funding options here.  

2. Provide hands-on training 

Apprenticeships are defined by their hybrid approach to learning and it’s no different when it comes to data. The interdisciplinary nature of data jobs means that hands-on experience, in addition to the correct qualifications, is crucial for a successful career.  

The off-the-job training a data apprentice will undertake provides them with a holistic skill set, which will then support them in their role within your organisation – meaning they’re learning as they go and ready to put their skills into action at any time. 

3. Improve employee progression and retention 

When taking on an apprentice, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) to competently perform their role can ultimately support them to progress within your organisation, leading to increased employee retention.  

Increased employee retention can raise morale and wellbeing – ensuring that, not just your apprentice, but all employees will remain highly focused and engaged with their work.  

4. Encourage internal mentoring and coaching  

Not only does gaining crucial workplace experience benefit your apprentice, but it also benefits other members of staff – it allows them to take ownership of the mentoring and coaching of their new colleague.  

Studies suggest that mentoring can enhance the meaningfulness of their work, along with improving levels of wellbeing by reducing anxiety.  

Internal mentoring and coaching can also increase feelings of reward and satisfaction among employees, as well as building a confident and supportive workplace environment. 

5. Make every hour count 

Working between a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 40 hours per week, your apprentice’s formal training will also be included within these weekly hours.  

The on-the-job, off-the-job nature of an apprenticeship role means that no time is wasted when it comes to upskilling your apprentice. 

At NCFE, we're an award-winning end-point assessment organisation, offering an end-point assessment (EPA) service in a wide range of industries. We now offer a market-leading EPA service for Data Technician Level 3 and Data Analyst Level 4. 

For more information on these standards, you can speak to our team today.