ICT Support Analyst Review

I support the users of a database containing all education data for council run schools. Daily tasks include creating new accounts, resetting passwords and reporting faults to the supplier of the database. I create and run data analysis reports including end of year management reports on an ad hoc basis. Every half-term I import attendance data from all our schools and load it, through a data checking hub, into the database, checking and fixing any data anomalies. I assist during major upgrades of the system, acting as liaison between the suppliers, the project team and the users, and manage the user acceptance testing (UAT) for the project.

I have done a Data Analysis apprenticeship and I have learnt many new skills including: The Data Analysis (DA) Life Cycle - I have a clearer understanding of the DA process from initial customer request, right through to presenting lessons learnt from the analysis to the stakeholders using industry standard visualisation tools; A greater knowledge of SQL, MS Access and MS Excel for use in DA; I have gained an accredited qualification in Data Science and Big Data Analytics from Dell.

I always enjoy the learning experience and am really please I had this opportunity to do this apprenticeship as it feeds directly into the my progression at work. I had been doing some data analysis but did not know the full process and have learnt so much more than I would have on the job without the apprenticeship. I enjoyed the subject so much, I applied for a role as Associate Lecturer at college and am now teaching the new group of apprentices!

From day one the whole apprenticeship process has been well explained, and the use of OneFile to manage our portfolio is very useful. There were issues with the lecturer but he has now been replaced, and the support from the college has been very good. As we were the first group to do this particular apprenticeship there have been teething problems (not just with the college but also the awarding body) but these are being resolved.

My employer has been very supportive. I have always shown an interest in data analysis and as soon as this apprenticeship was offered my name was put forward. They have made suitable arrangements for me to be at college one day a week, and even provided special access to OneDrive (not usually accessible) for all apprentices so they can store and manage their files. They have even agreed to my new working patterns as I now work one day a week in my Associate Lecturer role.

As mentioned before the support has been excellent from the college. Not only in the provision of the course but also in the pastoral care for all students - we had regular check-ins on how we were doing and finding out if there were any issues they could help with. They make sure that all required software is available even though the course was new and required new programs, ordered relevant literature, online as well as for the library, and made sure all subjects were well covered. (The first 2 groups had a 100% pass rate for their first exam).

I feel more confident to be able to be involved in any upcoming data analysis projects, and am just waiting for an opportunity to apply to join the Council's data solutions team. I believe the apprenticeship, and my Data Science qualification will greatly improve my chances of being successful in any advancement in the business. Managers are always very supportive of apprentices - I was asked to join a pilot to test an new data analysis visualisation tool that the council were thinking of procuring, and I don't believe I would have been asked if I wasn't on the apprenticeship.

The Council has a large workforce, and is very active in promoting extra-curricular activities. As a vigilant proponents of equalities promotion they encourage staff to join forums such as the LGBTQ+, BME, Disabled Persons, and Women's forums where appropriate. All these forums hold regular meetings and social events throughout the year. Staff also receive discounts to certain leisure centres and private companies can promote discounts to staff. I have taken part in lunchtime pilates sessions (there are yoga ones too) and am a regular member of a lunchtime bridge group.

Yes

As the council is such a vast entity providing around 800 services to the citizens of Brighton & Hove, there is a large variety of opportunities available. I myself have worked in Housing, Social Care and now IT. I have always been supported in my decisions, been provided with relevant training when required, been able to work flexible hours, and always feel like part of a hugely important company providing vital services not only to those in greatest need in society but to everyone living in this vibrant and diverse city.

The application process is very stringent and "one size fits all" but it has to be in such a large organisation. Don't be intimidated by the requirement for degrees or formal qualifications as industry experience counts for a lot. Understand the purpose of the council and its importance in society. Be flexible. Always look for opportunities for training and to advance (if you want to) as most managers encourage this type of enthusiasm. And they have a huge range of apprenticeships on offer!