Level 5 (at end of programme)
17 months maximum duration
£19,000 funding band maximum available through the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers that do not pay the Levy will fund 5% of the funding band maximum.
Level 5 Data Engineer
Build systems that collect, manage, and convert data into usable information for data scientists, data analysts and business intelligence analysts to interpret.
Occupational summary
Data Engineers build systems that collect, manage, and convert data into usable information for data scientists, data analysts and business intelligence analysts to interpret. A data engineer’s main aim is to make data accessible and valid so that an organisation can use it to evaluate and optimise their performance. The role of the data engineer is pivotal to any organisation; it ensures that data pipelines are established to support data scientists and other business stakeholders.
Knowledge:
Data Engineers will develop a deep understanding of how to build, monitor, and optimise data products and pipelines, ensuring performance, availability, and quality. They will learn methods for moving, integrating, and normalising data, applying principles of data warehousing, governance, and security. They will understand how to ensure compliance with regulations and support sustainable, cost-effective data solutions. Knowledge will include cloud platforms, software development practices, metadata management, and data types. They will gain insight into data product lifecycles, root cause analysis, business continuity, and best practices in service management. They will also learn to evaluate prototypes, support continuous improvement, and communicate technical information effectively.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Data engineer / Skills England
Skills:
Data Engineers will demonstrate the ability to gather and refine user and business requirements to design scalable, efficient, and secure data products. They will automate data pipelines, clean and validate data, and work across various data stores and formats. They will query and manipulate data using tools like SQL and Python, troubleshoot pipeline issues, and ensure secure data system use. They will create and maintain clear documentation, monitor data quality, and respond to incidents with root cause analysis and resolution. Data Engineers will collaborate with stakeholders, communicate effectively, and contribute to continuous improvement, including managing technical debt and advocating best practices. They will also assess and enhance existing data tools, support sustainable solutions, and stay current with new technologies and industry trends.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Data engineer / Skills England
Behaviours:
Data Engineers will display proactive accountability by adapting to changing priorities and meeting deadlines. They will work collaboratively with stakeholders, fostering inclusive, respectful relationships. They will focus on quality and continuous improvement, using creativity and peer review to enhance data systems. They will take personal responsibility for environmental sustainability and net zero outcomes. Using initiative and innovation, they will solve problems creatively and stay updated on emerging technologies to optimise sustainable data products and services.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Data engineer / Skills England
Entry requirements
- Apprentices seeking to join the data pathway can speak to ATAC to determine which level will be most suitable for them, depending on prior experience and qualifications.
Progression routes
- Successful apprentices can progress onto higher-level data apprenticeships.
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
Next steps
This programme starts in TBC
For more information, please contact us