Apprentice Data Engineer

Please note: This is an apprenticeship position. Therefore, anyone with more than six months of professional experience working as a Data Engineer or who holds a degree or Master’s degree in a related subject (such as Data Science or similar) will not be eligible. You will also need to commit to completing a Level 5 Data Engineering Apprenticeship.

Are you eager to combine paid work with study to earn a qualification? Do you want to join a strong team dedicated to revolutionising digital delivery while kickstarting your career in Data Engineering? This is a fantastic opportunity to join AND Digital as a Data Engineering Apprentice, where you’ll gain hands-on experience, be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, and work towards a Level 5 Data Engineering qualification. You’ll learn on the job while applying your skills to real world challenges.

Who We Are: AND Digital are a tech company focused on accelerating digital delivery and dedicated to closing the digital skills gap. We’ve been helping organisations build better digital products and stronger digital teams since 2014. We believe our work should always make a remarkable impact for our clients. We do this through our regional offices (or ‘Clubs’) building strong relationships with our partners, so that they are always prioritised by a team within close proximity. This unique model has driven success for our clients and ourselves, evidenced by our remarkable organic growth since 2014. Today we number more than 1,300 people with Clubs all over the UK, Europe and the USA with plans for global expansion in the next couple of years. Join us - and help us fulfil our mission to close the world’s digital skills gap.

About the Apprenticeship: As an apprentice, you’ll be embedded within one of our high-performing delivery teams, learning from experienced professionals and making a real impact from day one. Alongside your work, you'll follow a structured programme that introduces you to core data engineering tools, concepts, and responsibilities, including:

• Understanding the role of data engineering in modern organisations
• Introduction to data modelling and data warehousing principles
• Learning how to design and build data pipelines that bring data to life for decision making and analytics
• Understanding the importance of data quality, structure, and flow and how to organise data for downstream use
• Developing foundational coding skills in Python and SQL to work with and manipulate data
• Gaining hands-on experience with modern data platforms like Snowflake, Databricks, and BigQuery
• Exploring cloud services such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and their associated tools (e.g., Glue, Lambda, BigQuery, etc.)
• Being introduced to DataOps practices understanding how teams manage data infrastructure in agile, collaborative ways
• Learning how to work effectively in fast-paced, agile environments as part of multidisciplinary teams
• Building confidence in using visualisation tools (such as Power BI or QuickSight) to communicate insights from data

By the end of the programme, you'll have the technical skills, commercial awareness, and collaborative mindset needed to launch your career as a Junior Data Engineer.

What we’re looking for:

• A curious and motivated individual who’s eager to learn and grow
• Someone who takes initiative, is proactive, and embraces feedback
• Well-organised with good time management and a reliable work ethic
• A clear and confident communicator who enjoys working with others
• A genuine interest in technology and a passion for solving problems

Requirements to be eligible for this apprenticeship opportunity:

• A demonstrable interest in a career in data engineering through subjects like maths, computing, physics, or personal projects
• 3 or more A-Levels (A–C) or equivalent (STEM subjects are a plus)
• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent)
• Basic IT skills and confidence using spreadsheets or data tools
• Able to commute to Manchester or Birmingham
• Not already hold a higher qualification in the same or similar subject

Applications will also be considered from graduates looking for an apprenticeship route into data engineering.

Why join AND Digital? We have three core values: wonder, share, and delight. These values inform how we work with clients, and our culture: what it feels like to work for AND. We believe collaboration, ambition, curiosity and fun can drive innovation by creating a better environment for problem-solving. By joining AND, we’ll provide:

• Opportunities to work on projects with big clients and produce meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives.
• A “Blended Working” model, meaning you will be able to work in a range of locations from; your home, in your clubhouse, on a client, as well as just a change of scenery.
• The benefits of having a small company feel through being part of an autonomous Club, while being able to take in the benefits of a larger organisation.
• A dedicated career scrum team, designed to help you reach your career goals and develop the skills you need to be your best self.
• A safe environment for you to be yourself and challenge yourself.

Salary: £24,000 - £26,000 dependant on skills and experience

Bonus: £2000 - for successfully completing the apprenticeship within the agreed time

Start date: September (Date to be confirmed)

Contract Type: The successful candidate will initially be offered a 24-month fixed-term contract. After completing the apprenticeship, depending on business needs and the individual's performance, there is the possibility of permanent roles being available.

Location: 1 hour commute of Manchester or Birmingham

Travel: we are a consultancy so there will be the requirement to travel to client sites. This travel will be reimbursed through our expenses policy.

Hybrid working - this is to be agreed with the line manager and will vary depending on the business needs.

Equal Opportunities Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We actively encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. We consider all flexible working arrangements, subject to the requirements of the role. Where reasonable adjustments are needed, we will strive to make changes to accommodate them.

Training to be provided: As part of the Level 5 Data Engineer apprenticeship standard, you’ll be registered as a member of the British Computer Society and on a fast track to an industry-recognised qualification. Your dedicated industry coach will support you through a blended approach that includes remote, in-person, 1-2-1, and group learning.