Junior Data Engineer Apprentice (Remote, UK)

Summary

Join our data and engineering team as a Junior Data Engineer. With a blend of data engineering with software development, giving you the opportunity to build robust data pipelines, integrate APIs, and contribute to analytics dashboards using Power BI, Azure Synapse, Python, SQL, and Databricks.

Wage

£23,000 a year

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• Tech equipment provided. • Pension scheme. • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. • Private healthcare coverage.

Training course

Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

3 years 1 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Key Responsibilities:

Build and maintain scalable data pipelines using Azure Synapse, Databricks, and SQL-based transformations
Integrate APIs and web services to collect and ingest external data into centralised data platforms
Use Python to automate data processing, perform ETL tasks, and write modular, reusable code
Support the development of analytics dashboards and reports using Power BI
Collaborate with software engineers to embed data flows into wider application architectures
Participate in data validation, testing, and optimisation of workflows for performance and accuracy
Engage in regular learning and development activities to expand your knowledge of modern data and software engineering practices

Where you'll work

WEST CLAYTON BUSINESS CENTRE
BERRY LANE
CHORLEY WOOD
HERTFORDSHIRE
WD3 5EX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

Your training course

Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Identify and clarify problems an organisation faces, and reformulate them into Data Science problems. Devise solutions and make decisions in context by seeking feedback from stakeholders. Apply scientific methods through experiment design, measurement, hypothesis testing and delivery of results. Collaborate with colleagues to gather requirements.
Perform data engineering: create and handle datasets for analysis. Use tools and techniques to source, access, explore, profile, pipeline, combine, transform and store data, and apply governance (quality control, security, privacy) to data.
Identify and use an appropriate range of programming languages and tools for data manipulation, analysis, visualisation, and system integration. Select appropriate data structures and algorithms for the problem. Develop reproducible analysis and robust code, working in accordance with software development standards, including security, accessibility, code quality and version control.
Use analysis and models to inform and improve organisational outcomes, building models and validating results with statistical testing: perform statistical analysis, correlation vs causation, feature selection and engineering, machine learning, optimisation, and simulations, using the appropriate techniques for the problem.
Implement data solutions, using relevant software engineering architectures and design patterns. Evaluate Cloud vs. on-premise deployment. Determine the implicit and explicit value of data. Assess value for money and Return on Investment. Scale a system up/out. Evaluate emerging trends and new approaches. Compare the pros and cons of software applications and techniques.
Find, present, communicate and disseminate outputs effectively and with high impact through creative storytelling, tailoring the message for the audience. Use the best medium for each audience, such as technical writing, reporting and dashboards. Visualise data to tell compelling and actionable narratives. Make recommendations to decision makers to contribute towards the achievement of organisation goals.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships at strategic and operational levels, using methods of organisational empathy (human, organisation and technical) and build relationships through active listening and trust development.
Use project delivery techniques and tools appropriate to their Data Science project and organisation. Plan, organise and manage resources to successfully run a small Data Science project, achieve organisational goals and enable effective change.

Your training plan

This apprenticeship will be delivered via Semester A (Sept to Jan) and B (Jan to May) and Block release Semester C (May to Sept) Flexible learning during this Semester.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language (grade 4 / C equivalent)
Maths (grade 4 / C equivalent)

A Level in:

Maths (grade B)
Non Specific (grade B)
Non Specific (grade B)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Basic knowledge of SQL

Other requirements

Required Skills & Qualities: • Basic knowledge of SQL and data engineering concepts • Interest in both data engineering and software development. • Strong problem-solving ability and logical thinking. • Willingness to work with APIs, cloud services, and automation tools. • Good communication and teamwork skills. • Self-motivated with the ability to manage tasks remotely, with ongoing support. Desirable Skills (Not Essential): • Familiarity with Azure Synapse, Databricks, or other cloud-based data platforms. • Experience or interest in integrating REST APIs or JSON data sources. • Exposure to Power BI or similar data visualisation tools. • Understanding of ETL concepts or data architecture. • Version control experience (e.g. Git).

About this company

Our Values Sustainability Front and centre of our values at Gemstone is a desire to support an environmentally sustainable future. We take active measures throughout our processes to ensure that our carbon footprint is as close to zero as possible. Our aim is for net carbon reduction. No small goal but one we are never the less committed to. Measures we have taken so far include limiting staff travel and carrying out virtual meetings wherever possible. We also operate a completely paperless system which not only benefits the environment but is also quickly and easily accessible to our partners and clients. There is always more we can do which is why in 2024 we will begin our efforts towards having a carbon reducing effect through our processes including opting for suppliers with carbon reduction goals as well as carrying out some of our own carbon reducing activities. Yes - that includes some members of the team actually planting trees… but also by supporting some of our environmental partners in their efforts to reduce deforestation and tackle inefficient supply chains. Annual Gemstone Charity Award This year we are proud to announce that we will be running our very first Annual Gemstone Charity Award through which we will be looking to directly support a UK based Charity aligned with our values by offering them some of our expert services for free. You can read more about this here.

https://www.gemstoneit.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• Remote-first working with flexible hours. • Quarterly team meet-ups in Hertfordshire (expenses covered). • Training, mentoring, and career progression support • Collaborative, friendly team environment that supports growth and learning.

After this apprenticeship

After successfully completing the degree apprenticeship programme, you will have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours to work in industry as a data scientist.

Further career opportunities include the following roles:

Data scientist
Data analyst
Data engineer
Data architect
Technology professional

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

Dominic Whyte-Ifill

D.Whyte-Ifill@Herts.ac.uk

07543301817

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000324325.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Friday 27 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

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