Level 6 (at end of programme)
36 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 6 Data Scientist
Working in a team to find ways to improve an organisation’s processes.
Occupational summary
Data Scientists find information in diverse datasets to address complex problems and improve organisational processes. They are inquisitive, they explore and visualise data of all kinds, find and present ‘stories’ within the data in a meaningful way to a range of technical and non-technical audiences. They make recommendations to inform strategic and operational decision making through sourcing, accessing and manipulating data, and engineering data processes. They identify and address data biases, and handle private data ethically and appropriately, complying with (inter)national privacy regulations. They use the insights gathered about the data they have analysed to inform and achieve organisational goals. They achieve desired outcomes by planning, organising and managing resources effectively.
Typical jobs include: Data Scientist, Data Engineer
Knowledge:
Data Scientists will develop knowledge of core principles from computer science, statistics, and software engineering, and how these shape data systems. They will understand how data science fits within governance, ethics, and global regulations, and how to identify bias in data. They will use key platforms for data storage and processing, both on-premise and cloud-based, and assess database systems and data formats. They will design and optimise models using machine learning, AI, and advanced analytics, while balancing resource constraints. They will follow development standards and critically evaluate diverse datasets to support informed, evidence-based decisions.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Data scientist (integrated degree) / Skills England
Skills:
Data Scientists will demonstrate the ability to identify organisational challenges, reframe them as data science problems, and design effective, evidence-based solutions. They will collaborate with stakeholders, apply scientific methods, and perform data engineering tasks such as sourcing, transforming, and storing data with proper governance. They will write robust, reproducible code using appropriate tools, languages, and algorithms, following software development standards. Data Scientists will build and validate analytical models to improve outcomes, assess value and ROI, and scale systems effectively. They will communicate insights through storytelling and visualisation, tailoring outputs for diverse audiences. They will also manage projects, apply delivery tools, and build strategic relationships through empathy, trust, and active listening.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Data scientist (integrated degree) / Skills England
Behaviours:
Data Scientists will display curiosity, creativity, and determination in exploring data and solving problems. They will work collaboratively with empathy, promoting ethical and inclusive practices. They will adapt to changing tasks and timescales with a pragmatic mindset, always aligning their work with organisational goals. Their approach will be scientific, impartial, and evidence-based, ensuring integrity in data analysis and communication. They will also stay current through continuous learning and active engagement with the data science community.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Data scientist (integrated degree) / 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