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- Tasks: Join our Data Platform team to learn and apply DevOps skills in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Boots is a leading health and beauty retailer committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, a retirement savings plan, and access to 24/7 counselling support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while working on exciting data projects that impact real-world decisions.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus A levels or equivalent; coding experience in Python is a plus.
- Other info: This is a two-year apprenticeship with opportunities for growth and development.
Location: Nottingham
Closing date: Wednesday 18th June 2025
Assessment centre: July 2025
Start date: mid-August – early September
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Recruitment Partner: Noaman Hussain
About the apprenticeship
The DevOps Engineer programme is designed to immerse you into our International Technology & Advanced Analytics (IT2A) function whilst studying for your DevOps Engineering apprenticeship, to learn and build the skills to become a DevOps Engineer. You will complete the course whilst learning on the job in a role with our Data Platform team – known as 'Data Lynx' - to both showcase your newly learnt skills and spend time across different areas of data engineering and analytics to broaden your skillset and knowledge. The DevOps Engineer apprenticeship is for 2 years.
About the role
The Data Platform team support Boots UK & ROI, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company & International Retail to digitise and transform their data onto a cloud-based platform, known as Data Lynx. Data Lynx is a data lakehouse built on Microsoft Azure & Databricks, using the latest techniques to allow our business in making data led decisions and create new data products. Our Platform Operations team are responsible for the daily operation of the platform; deploy new resources through Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to support projects, providing our teams and users the right access to tools & data, ensuring our platform is running smoothly, and much more. They also work with wider technical teams in Cloud and Security to ensure our platform operates in a secure and compliant way, and with our Service teams to diagnose and resolve issues on live services.
As a DevOps Engineer you will work as part of the Platform Operations team to:
- Work with teams located around the world to support new data products being deployed
- Provide new infrastructure and cloud services in Azure
- Manage access for our Databricks & Azure environments
- Develop and deliver new CI/CD pipelines and automation tools
- Engage with data engineers, data scientists and data analysts to create new automation tools
- Develop and extend monitoring and observability for the platform
What you'll need to have
You will have achieved:
- GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C/Grade 4 or above OR you have achieved or be willing to work towards (if required): Level 2 Functional Skill in Maths and English
You will have or are on track to achieve one of the following:
- 3 A levels at Grade B or above
- 120 UCAS points (300 old traffic)
- Advanced Level Apprenticeship
Note: You will not be eligible for this apprenticeship if you have previously, or due to complete by the end of this August an apprenticeship or qualification in the same subject matter as this apprenticeship at level 4 or higher within the same subject sector.
Experience with Microsoft Azure
Coding experience with Python
Experience with Git code repositories (such as Github)
It would be great if you also have
These are desirable skills or experience and are not essential, so we would welcome applications from candidates that don't match this additional criteria.
- Experience with Databricks
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines
- The desire to resolve problems, getting into the detail, and see them through to resolution
- Managing your time and being organised to deliver to deadlines and manage a diverse workload
- Keen to get involved and bring new ideas
- Work in a changing and fast-paced environment
- Work well as part of a team, and build collaborative relationships across the business (or with internal and external stakeholders)
- Intermediate level experience in Microsoft Office, Excel and Word
- A desire for self-development and growth
Benefits
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and much more.
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
We have a great range of benefits in addition to the above that offer flexibility to suit you - find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Exclusions may apply, eligible roles only.
Why Boots
At Boots, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. As the heart of everything we do at Boots, with you, we change for the better.
What's next
After submitting your application, you will be invited to complete an online assessment. If your application is successful following this, our recruitment team will be in touch to invite you to an assessment centre and to answer any initial questions you have. If you have not been successful on this occasion, you will be contacted by email. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best.
Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. This role requires the successful candidate to complete a Pre-employment check after receiving an offer. Depending on your location you will be asked to submit either a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service), PVG (Protection of Vulnerable groups) or an Access NI Check.
DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship employer: The Boots Company PLC
Contact Detail:
The Boots Company PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Azure and Databricks, as these are key technologies for the role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your understanding and demonstrate your commitment to learning.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with communities or forums related to DevOps and cloud technologies. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals, which can be a great advantage in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase any personal projects or contributions to open-source projects that involve CI/CD pipelines or automation tools. This practical experience can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your hands-on skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the online assessment by practising problem-solving scenarios related to DevOps. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced in cloud environments and think about how you would approach resolving them.
We think you need these skills to ace DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the DevOps Engineer role. Emphasise any experience with Microsoft Azure, Python coding, and Git repositories, as these are key requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for technology and data engineering. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills, which are essential for this apprenticeship.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your academic achievements, especially your GCSEs and A levels. If you have any certifications related to DevOps or cloud technologies, be sure to include those as well.
Prepare for Online Assessment: After submitting your application, be ready for an online assessment. Brush up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, as these will likely be tested during this stage of the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Boots Company PLC
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a DevOps Engineer does, especially in relation to the Data Platform team. Familiarise yourself with concepts like CI/CD pipelines, cloud services in Azure, and how data engineering fits into the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft Azure, Python coding, and Git repositories. If you have any projects or examples that demonstrate these skills, bring them up during the interview to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires a desire to resolve problems and see them through to resolution. Be ready to share examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles or projects and how you approached solving them.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the position involves working with teams globally, highlight your ability to work well in a team and build collaborative relationships. Share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.
