At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build data integrations, pipelines, and platforms with expert guidance.
- Company: Join a top-rated company known for its supportive and dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Earn £22,000, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access Microsoft certifications.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with mentorship from experienced consultants.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in data engineering while working on real client projects.
- Qualifications: 7 GCSEs and 3 A Levels in STEM subjects; passion for data is key.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
Please note that this is an apprenticeship position and therefore anyone with more than six months 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.
About this role
We are hiring a Data Engineer Apprentice to train and work alongside experienced Microsoft consultants on real client engagements. You will spend time designing, planning and building data integrations, data pipelines & data platforms. You will work alongside the Chief Data Offices, Data Architects and Data Integration Experts to deliver and operationalise data solutions, including system to system integrations, data lakes and relational databases.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Implement data flows to connect operational systems, data for analytics and business intelligence (BI) systems
- Document source-to-target mappings
- Carry out data integrations between systems
- Re-engineer manual data flows to enable scaling and repeatable use
- Support the build of data streaming systems
- Write ETL scripts and code to make sure the ETL process performs optimally
- Develop business intelligence reports that can be re-used
- Build accessible data for analysis
Position summary
This apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and develop practical skills in data science while working towards a recognised qualification. As a member of the Digital Transformation Team, you will support a range of projects, contributing to the development of high‑quality data solutions, integrations and platforms. This role enables you to learn from experienced data consultants, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and apply your skills to projects that inspire better policy and decision‑making. You will receive comprehensive training and mentorship, developing your expertise in data collection, cleansing, integration, ETL, management, processing and the opportunity to extend into data visualisation and analysis. Upon completion, you will have built a solid foundation in modern data workflows and best practice within a Microsoft environment. As well as ensuring sufficient training to meet your Level 5 Data Engineer Apprenticeship, you will have access to a range of Microsoft training services as part of Crimson’s Digital Transformation Team.
Desired Skills
- A strong interest in data and data platforms, with demonstrable motivation to build a career in this field
- Familiarity with data platforms, data pipelines, and creating data visualisations (coursework, science experiments, projects, or self‑study count)
- Some experience with coding (e.g. Python, SQL, or similar) is desirable but not essential
- Excellent problem‑solving skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly
- A strong team player who can work collaboratively and communicate clearly within a team
- A self‑starter with a positive attitude, curious mindset, and willingness to embrace new challenges
- A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Essential Qualifications
- 7 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 or A-C including English and Mathematics
- 3 A Levels at grades A - C (or equivalent) in STEM subjects
- Applications are encouraged from graduates in subjects including Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biochem, Statistics, Computer Science who are looking for an apprenticeship route to a Data Engineering career.
Salary £22,000 increasing to £25,000 based on performance in the first 12 months
Location Crimson offer hybrid working, 3 days in the office, 2 days remote however applicants must be willing to attend the office (Birmingham: B37 7YE) 5 days per week when requested. (E.g. during induction)
Why join us
- Be part of a thriving and dynamic company, that has been voted one of The Times Best Companies to work for in the UK, and where everyone can have a direct impact on our success
- Work in a supportive, structured yet fun environment alongside 6 other apprentices, where you get the help, feedback and mentoring from experienced Microsoft consultants to shape your career
- Earn a competitive salary while you learn, with a pension and 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Real delivery from day one. Live client engagements not synthetic exercises
- Modern AI tooling; Azure OpenAI, Copilot Studio and the wider Microsoft AI stack as core working tools
- Microsoft certifications; Funded support for professional certifications across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and AI
- Career trajectory; a clear route into a permanent role on successful completion of the Level 4 AI & Automation apprenticeship
Data Engineer Apprentice in Birmingham employer: Digital Native
Join Crimson as a Data Engineer Apprentice and immerse yourself in a vibrant work culture that prioritises growth and collaboration. With hands-on training from seasoned Microsoft consultants, you'll gain invaluable experience while working on real client projects, all within a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and professional development. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and the opportunity to earn recognised Microsoft certifications, setting you on a clear path towards a successful career in data engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer Apprentice in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Data Science Communities
Dive into online forums like Kaggle or GitHub where data science enthusiasts hang out. Participating in competitions or contributing to open-source projects can really make you stand out and show off your skills!
✨Tap Into University Resources
Your uni career services are gold mines for apprenticeships! Attend any workshops or career fairs they host; you might just bump into employers looking to scout fresh talent for programmes like the one at Digital Native.
✨Work on Real-World Data Projects
Create your own data science projects or collaborate with classmates on interesting datasets. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you something to showcase during interviews, setting you apart from the competition.
✨Show Off Your Passion
Don’t just rely on formal applications! Write blog posts about your data science journey or share insights on social media. This can catch the eye of Digital Native and show them you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer Apprentice in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:For a data science apprenticeship, make sure to highlight your skills in statistics, programming (especially Python or R), and data visualisation tools. Mention any relevant projects or coursework where you've applied these skills, even if it’s just in a school setting!
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, focus on why you want to dive into data science specifically. Share how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals and learning aspirations. Remember, this is about showing us at Digital Native that you're eager to learn and grow in the data field!
Portfolio Power!:Even if it's an apprenticeship, having a small portfolio of your data projects can set you apart. Include any analyses, visualisations, or data science-related tasks you’ve completed, whether on your own or as part of your studies. This shows that you've got hands-on experience, which is super appealing.
Keep It Relevant and Concise:Your CV should be focused and relevant – keep it to one page if possible! Tailor it for the data science role by including specific coursework, skills, and any experience with data handling. If you’ve done any data-related activities in clubs or competitions, throw those in too—every bit counts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Native
✨Brush Up on the Basics
Before your interview with Digital Native, we need to nail down the fundamentals of statistics and machine learning. As an apprenticeship candidate, they’ll be keen on your understanding of key concepts—so make sure you can talk about linear regression, classification, and maybe even some hands-on work with tools like Python or R.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring any portfolios or projects you've worked on that highlight your data analysis skills. Even if they're for school or personal projects, being able to demonstrate how you approached a problem, analysed data, and derived insights will give you a leg up. Don't just talk about the data—show them what you've done with it!
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that test your problem-solving skills! You might be asked to explain how you would approach a specific dataset or solve a classic data challenge. Practise explaining your thought processes clearly, as this will showcase your analytical abilities as well as your ability to communicate complex ideas.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is your biggest asset. Be prepared to discuss what you're looking to gain from the apprenticeship at Digital Native. Whether it's mastering new programming tools or applying theoretical knowledge to real-life problems, let them know you're all about growing your skills and contributing to the team!
