9 September 2024
What is a Data Analyst?
Data is KING. Data makes the world go round. In fact, according to the IDC, we could see global data volume expanding to 175 zettabytes (that’s 175 trillion 1GB USB sticks, btw) by 2025.
If looking through data to find results, solutions to problems or to help businesses thrive is your bag? A career as a data analyst could be just the hard drive you need.
Read on to find out more about the role and how you can get started.
- What does a data analyst actually do?
- What qualifications do I need to become a data analyst?
- What skills are required for a data analyst?
- How much does a data analyst earn?
What does a data analyst actually do?
As a data analyst, you’ll collect, clean and explain sets of data to help answer questions, find solutions to problems or even find new opportunities. Your role will include a whole bunch of responsibilities that’ll have a great impact on the projects you’ll work on.
Some of these tasks will include;
- Collecting and cleaning data from various sources
- Helping to create data reports
- Identifying trends and patterns
- Supporting complex analytical tasks
- Learning and using data analysis tools and software
- Documenting processes and results
- Presenting results and insights to team members and managers
- Understanding data privacy and security protocols
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What qualifications do I need to become a data analyst?
Like most jobs, data science positions might require a degree in computer science, mathematics, or statistics.
However, for many jobs, the days when you needed to have a degree are no more (well, sorta kinda). There are several ways to get the education, skills and experience you need to land a job as a data analyst. One way is through an apprenticeship!
As a budding data analyst, you’ll be able to start with a Level 4 (Higher) apprenticeship and move on up to a degree level. During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain all the skills and practical knowledge you’ll need. Expect to cover some of these topics;
- Identifying, collecting and migrating data
- Data interpretation
- Statistical analysis
- Learning tools and techniques for data visualisation
- Project management
- How to present and make recommendations.
Luckily for you, there are many employers keen to snap up the next lot of fresh data analysts and offer apprenticeships to help make that happen. Read on to find out who these employers are.
Where can I work?
One of the most special aspects of data analysis is that you can work across a wide range of industries and sectors. Some of these include;
- Education
- Environment
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Public sector
- Retail
- Sports.
These are some of the employers offering apprenticeships for data analysts;
DHL
As the world’s leading logistics company and a workforce of over 450,000, they’re going to need their fair share of data analysts. They offer higher apprenticeships in data analysis
“My training provider has taught me skills about cleaning data, data presentation and then skills such as excel, power bi and soon-to-be SQL and python which are all helpful in my role.”
NHS
Our beloved National Health Service doesn’t just commit itself to providing healthcare to everyone in the UK, it also offers apprenticeship routes into more than 350 careers. From Level 4 right up to a Level 7 apprenticeship, there’s a lot on offer for a budding data analyst.
“I have learnt and expanded my knowledge in just about every area within data analysis, especially around stakeholder engagement, presentation skills and programming languages.”
Unilever
Home to over 400 household name brands all over the world and 3.4 billion customers, Unilever has a buffet offering of apprenticeships for young people to get into.
“I really enjoy my programme, the qualifications and experience I have gained whilst being at the company is invaluable, and my day-to-day job of being an apprentice and the role I do is really good. The team I work in is really nice and warming to me, encourages me to do my best and treats me like an employee.”
That’s just a few, there are a whole lot more. Some of these include;
What skills are required for a data analyst?
There are a whole bunch of skills that will help you snap up a data analysis role.
Remember, the whole point of an apprenticeship is to gain all the skills you need to go straight into full-time work – so there’s no issue if you don’t have some of the technical skills employers might ask for.
Employers also really love soft skills. The greatest part? You 200% already have many of these. Let’s have a look at some of the hard and soft skills you need…
| HARD SKILLS | SOFT SKILLS |
| Machine learning | Communication |
| SQL (structured query language) | Analytical |
| Data mining | Attention to detail |
| Domain knowledge | Teamwork and collaboration |
| Python | Critical thinking |
| Microsoft Excel | Problem-solving |
Did you know your hobbies could give you some serious skills? Now you do. Read all about how to turn your hobbies into skills.
What are the entry requirements for a Level 4 data analyst apprenticeship?
Sometimes it can depend on the employer. However, you’ll find that loads of Level 4 apprenticeships will have the same requirements. These can include;
- Two passes at A Level (C or above) in a maths or IT subject or similar ( eg. apprenticeship)
- GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C) or a Level 2 qualification.
Want to know everything there is to know about Higher apprenticeships? We’ve got a guide for that.
How much does a data analyst earn?
How much you earn all depends on your experience level and where you’re working.
As an apprentice, you’ll earn a minimum wage of £6.40 an hour. A lot of employers will pay you a lot more than this. If you’re starting on a higher apprenticeship, you could stand to earn around over £23,000 per year.
There’s a lot more room to grow too! Once you gain more experience in your role, you could start earning between £30,000 and £35,000 per year with the potential to earn up to £60,000 per year if you decide to take the consultancy route.
And there you have it. By now you should have everything you need to become the best data analyst the UK has ever seen.
Feeling ready to start applying? Why not start your search for a data analyst apprenticeship today?
Written by Melchi
Melchi is a stan of the written word and joined the RateMyApprenticeship team as a Content Executive in 2021. Melchi started his career writing culture content for WeAreCollision magazine before completing an MA in International Journalism at City University and interning at Insider Inc. He now uses his head-thesaurus to write inspiring content to help young people make great career choices. These include everything from blogs about how to write your first CV to industry guides outlining the latest apprenticeship opportunities. Outside of writing, Melchi loves all things music and is a DJ!