Data Architect Apprenticeship (Level 4) - Office for National Statistics - EO in Manchester

Location: The locations for these roles are Newport and Titchfield (Fareham). This role is aligned to ONS hybrid working principles, which are based on attending the office with purpose. The postholder will be expected to contribute to the organisation's overall 40% office attendance, in line with business and role requirements. The induction process for the role will be conducted in person. Please note only candidates living and working in either England or Wales will be eligible to apply for this role due to the requirements of the apprenticeship providers.

About The Job: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, helping people understand the UK’s economy, population and society. We are looking for five people who are curious about data and technology and keen to learn to join our Data Architecture team through an apprenticeship programme. Whether you are leaving school or college, considering a career change, or looking for an alternative to full-time classroom-based study, this could be an opportunity to start an exciting career in data and technology. You do not need previous experience of Data Architecture. We are looking for your potential, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. You will receive training and support while gaining practical experience and working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

As a Data Architect Apprentice, you will learn how to:

• understand how data is structured, organised and used
• develop and work with data models
• understand and manage metadata
• apply data standards and data governance principles
• analyse and profile data to understand its quality and characteristics
• communicate technical information clearly to different audiences
• work with colleagues to understand their data needs and identify opportunities for improvement

If you are curious, enjoy solving problems and want to develop a career where you can make a real difference through data, this role may be for you.

The roles will be working in Data Products, Services and Governance (DPSG), which sits centrally within ONS, providing a cross-ONS capability for data, including data access and preparation, and the provision of data and linked data products. DPSG develops and manages the systems and processes that underpin the distribution of data across ONS and beyond. DPSG provides data to ONS, academia, wider government, and other external users in a safe and controlled way, supporting and encouraging users to maximise data utility, enabling innovation and statistical and research use.

As a Data Architect Apprentice, you will study towards a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship programme and combine your job and hands-on experience with virtual learning, which will include one-to-one sessions with tutors and mentors, tutorials, and research projects. You will work with appropriate technologies as a Data Architecture apprentice, gaining the technical expertise to take your career in an exciting new direction. By the end of the apprenticeship, you will have achieved an industry-standard qualification and have the skills to progress your career in line with your aspirations.

Responsibilities:

• support the development and maintenance of data models
• profile data and help identify data quality issues
• support the management of metadata, data standards and data governance
• work with stakeholders to understand business and data requirements
• produce clear documentation and communicate technical information
• work collaboratively with colleagues across different teams
• develop your knowledge of Data Architecture tools, techniques and technologies

Part-time candidates will be considered, subject to a minimum of 30 hours per week, apprenticeship provider requirements and business needs.

What qualification will I get? The programme will be 2 years and will be delivered by assigned external training providers. The apprenticeship will support apprentices to develop their capability in data architecture. As well as training and support from the external training providers, you will have support from a dedicated, highly experienced data architect mentor. All apprentices who successfully meet the scheme's milestones will receive a Level 4 Data Analyst Diploma. You will gain experience to help you work towards your qualification, as well as attending formal training and other development opportunities that will consist of 20% off the job learning. You will develop other skills that will aid you in the workplace, such as organisation, communication, the ability to work under pressure, teamwork, and lots more, giving you a real and valuable insight into the industry.

Person specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Can manage own workload, and work effectively as part of a team, to ensure deadlines or outputs are met.
• Can analyse information or evidence from a variety of sources to draw conclusions and inform decision making.
• Can communicate complex or technical ideas, both in writing and verbally, to stakeholders with differing levels of knowledge or experience.
• Identifies opportunities to make improvements and gets the support of relevant people to implement the changes.
• Takes opportunities to develop own skills and share knowledge with colleagues.
• A passion for technology and a keen technical interest.

Standard Eligibility Criteria For Apprenticeships:

• You must reside and work in England or Wales.
• You must have been at least 16 years old by 31st August 2026.
• You must not already have an equivalent qualification of the same type, content, and level (or higher).
• You must not be in full-time education or undertaking another apprenticeship at the same time.
• You should hold a GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C or above, an equivalent qualification, or relevant experience in lieu of a qualification may be considered.

The training provider makes the final decision on whether funding can be provided per person and the job offer will be made on the condition that funding is available.