At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into data science, analyse insights, and support impactful projects.
- Company: Join the Financial Ombudsman, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Earn £26,936 per year with 35-hour work weeks and off-job learning.
- Other info: Transition to a permanent role upon successful qualification after 36 months.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in data science with mentorship and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: 104 UCAS points and GCSE English and maths (grade C or above).
The predicted salary is between 26936 - 26936 £ per year.
Contract: Initial fixed term contract for 36 months covering the apprenticeship, with transition to a permanent position upon successful qualification.
Working hours: 35 hours per week; apprentices spend 20% on off‑job learning, attending lectures or tutorials with the training provider.
Salary: £26,936 per year.
Location: London, Exchange Tower.
Reporting to: Head of Business Analysis and Insight.
About the role: As a Data Scientist Apprentice, you will work with your line manager to agree and deliver personal objectives, supported by a dedicated mentor. Your responsibilities may include:
- Building an understanding of the organisation and data science.
- Working on projects to identify operational or strategic insights using advanced statistical analysis, data mining and visualisation techniques.
- Ensuring analytics are quality assured and documented.
- Providing analytical support to projects across the organisation with increasing independence.
Minimum Criteria:
- 104 UCAS points and GCSE English and maths (grade C or above), or an equivalent recognised qualification, or completion of a level 3 apprenticeship or professional qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Not in full‑time education or receiving other learning programme funding upon enrolment (September 2026).
- Full UK right to work for the duration of the apprenticeship, with valid and eligible residency status and a UK residence record of 3 years before the apprenticeship start.
Additional Qualifications:
- Interest in data science or statistics, and motivation to apply data-driven insights to business decisions.
- Demonstrable flair for data, reflected effectively in your CV.
Equal Opportunity: The Financial Ombudsman is an Equal Opportunity and disability Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
Data Scientist (Apprentice) employer: Financial Ombudsman Service
The Financial Ombudsman is an excellent employer for aspiring Data Scientists, offering a supportive apprenticeship programme that combines practical experience with dedicated mentorship. Located in the vibrant Exchange Tower in London, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth and transition to permanent roles upon successful qualification.
Contact Details:
Financial Ombudsman Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist (Apprentice)
✨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 Financial Ombudsman Service.
✨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 Financial Ombudsman Service and show them you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist (Apprentice)
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 Financial Ombudsman Service 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 Financial Ombudsman Service
✨Brush Up on the Basics
Before your interview with Financial Ombudsman Service, 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 Financial Ombudsman Service. 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!
