Data Scientist Apprentice in Farnborough

At QinetiQ we are creating a workplace that is inclusive; where our differences are not only embraced but make us stronger. A place where we can connect with each other and benefit from the experiences and thinking from people with varied backgrounds, and at different stages in their careers.

About the team

Data Science & Engineering: Our role is to ensure our customers gain the maximum advantage from their data. We are involved at all stages of the data lifecycle from the initial gathering & processing stage, through the analysis phase, leading to actionable outputs & advice. The Data Science and Engineering teams within Software Engineering, Communication Networks & Data Science (SECNDS) discipline consist of a mix of data scientists (exploring data sets and algorithms) and data engineers (building the infrastructure to capture and process the data). The team’s skills however are varied and cover a wide range of disciplines. Our daily work involves applying both conventional and novel machine learning techniques to customer problems as appropriate to advise on and/or demonstrate the opportunities created through exploiting their data.

What will I be doing?

The team works across all data types, everything from numerical data to natural language processing and signals analysis through to imagery interpretation. Where necessary, we also collect or simulate data using mathematical models. A typical day will see our apprentice working as part of small project teams. You will attend project meetings, be involved in data preparation, and apply the relevant Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence techniques. Over time, you will be expected to code up solutions to support this work, and to integrate with the team’s coding best practices. You may occasionally be involved in stakeholder engagements or presentations, and you will often help with the report‑writing process. Your days can have a mixture of on‑site and home working, depending on the specific project’s data requirements. We frequently collaborate with colleagues and subject experts across the business to gain cross‑domain insight to support our work. In this role you will gain practical experience in the full end‑to‑end data pipeline from data collection, data wrangling and modelling through to generating conclusions and results. You will gain knowledge of statistical techniques such as supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, develop programming skills in Python and for the cloud, as well as general data analysis techniques. You will also gain soft skills such as planning, technical report writing, and presenting.

Academic requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent, Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or equivalent (prior to admission) with BâB at A‑Level to include Maths. We will not accept A‑Levels Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking. Alternatively, a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship at Merit or Distinction.

Qualifications

Qualification: BSc (Hons) Data Science offered by Cranfield. Course provider: Cranfield.

Additional requirements

You must be able to travel to the training provider for the academic elements of the Level 6 Apprenticeship. Expenses for travel will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy. You should have some understanding of statistics (statistical analysis) and/or mathematical modelling; some experience of programming in at least one coding language (e.g. Python, R, C++); and familiarity with basic coding best practices such as version control and code quality.

Beneficial Experience

Experience with any cloud computing platform; machine learning or data analysis project experience (through academia or personal projects); evidence of soft skills, including examples of working in a team and technical communication (written or oral).

Our Benefits (the list is not exhaustive)

• On demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms
• Coaching and mentoring
• 25 days annual holiday excluding bank holiday
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Employee discount portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee‑led networks

Security

Many of our roles at QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. Many roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information, which means factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may impact your role. Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. Further guidance regarding clearances can be found: UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK.

Please also be aware that under immigration rules, our Early Careers roles do not meet the legal threshold for candidates who are resident in the UK on student visas.