At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data to support the UK's transition to cleaner energy and make a real impact.
- Company: Join SSE, a leading FTSE 100 company committed to a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Earn £26,239 per year, with potential to reach £37,000+, plus flexible benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured 2-year apprenticeship with hands-on experience and academic learning.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in data analysis while contributing to a greener planet.
- Qualifications: 3 A-Levels at grade C or above, including a STEM subject; no programming background needed.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
Base Location: Reading or Portsmouth
Salary: £26,239 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the Apprentice programme is circa £37,000+.
Working Pattern: Full Time | up to 2 Year Apprenticeship Programme
Start Date: August/September 2026
Shape the Future of Energy Through Data
Data is the currency of the 21st century - and it’s transforming how we design, operate and optimise the energy systems that will deliver the UK’s Net Zero future. As part of our continued investment in digital talent, we’re looking for the Data Analysts of tomorrow to help us unlock the full potential of smart data and support the transition to cleaner, greener energy. If you’re curious, analytical and excited about using data to make a real impact, this programme offers the perfect launchpad for your career.
What to Expect
- A Digital Apprenticeship with Purpose: join our Digital Apprenticeship Programme, where you’ll play a role in our digitalisation strategy while benefiting from paid education, a competitive salary, excellent benefits and the opportunity to work for a FTSE 100 company.
- Build In‑Demand Skills: Develop strong analytical, data handling and interpretation skills across multiple data sets. You’ll learn how to analyse complex information, draw meaningful insights and apply your growing expertise in real workplace scenarios.
- 2 Years of Structured Development: over this exciting 2‑year programme, you’ll rotate through key areas of our business, gaining a well‑rounded understanding of the principles, techniques and behaviours that underpin great data‑driven decision‑making.
- Academic and On‑the‑Job Learning: alongside hands‑on experience, you’ll undertake the academic element of your apprenticeship - learning how we apply data and analytics to support critical business decisions and communicate insights in a clear, accessible way.
- A Career with Lasting Impact: upon successful completion, our intention is to offer you a permanent role, giving you the chance to continue developing your skills and helping us drive the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
What We’re Looking For
- Curiosity and a passion for problem‑solving — you enjoy understanding how things work and uncovering insights from data.
- Proactivity and resilience — you’re comfortable taking initiative, staying organised, and adapting when things change.
- A strong willingness to learn — you pick up new tools and techniques quickly and ask great questions.
- Good attention to detail — you’re able to work accurately, spot patterns, and check your work carefully.
- A safety‑first mindset — you live by our commitment: if it’s not safe, we don’t do it.
Entry Requirements
This programme is suitable for learners with no programming background. You should have:
- 3 A‑Levels at grade C or above, including one STEM subject (Maths at grade B desirable) OR
- 2 Scottish Highers at Grade B + National 5 Maths OR
- Completion of an SCQF Level 6 Apprenticeship
- Equivalent engineering or technical qualifications may also be considered.
This programme is designed to provide training at a specific qualification level. To ensure it remains appropriate and beneficial for participants, we’re unable to accept applicants who already hold a degree in Data or Computer Science. If you do have a higher‑level qualification, we encourage you to explore other Early Careers opportunities at SSE that align with your existing experience.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
What happens now?
Take the first step toward becoming one of our future Data Analysts — apply now and begin your journey into the world of energy and digital innovation. All applications should be made online, and we will be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact us by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone.
Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Please note, SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the Apprenticeship/Trainees roles, however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.
Data Analyst Higher Apprenticeship in Reading employer: SSE Enterprise
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a Data Analyst Higher Apprenticeship that combines hands-on experience with academic learning in a supportive environment. With a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a commitment to employee growth, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving the UK's transition to Net Zero. The culture fosters curiosity and innovation, making it an ideal launchpad for your career in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Analyst Higher Apprenticeship in Reading
✨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 SSE Enterprise.
✨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 SSE Enterprise and show them you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Analyst Higher Apprenticeship in Reading
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 SSE Enterprise 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 SSE Enterprise
✨Brush Up on the Basics
Before your interview with SSE Enterprise, 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 SSE Enterprise. 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!
