ERP Data & Support Apprentice

SKA Observatory

Cheshire (SK11 9DL)

Closes on Friday 28 August 2026

Posted on 24 July 2026

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Summary

We’ve reimagined our Data Technician apprenticeship to drive change, incorporating new features and tools. Apprentices will learn data management, analysis techniques to gain real world insights, with access to new learn members and optional qualifications.

Wage

£23,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Data technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 4 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

The ERP team's main objectives are: 

  • Ensure the businesses ERP system operates efficiently and effectively and is accessible during all of SKAO’s business hours across time zones
  • Ensure a high level of ERP systems data integrity
  • Maintain an excellent ERP support service with positive reviews from internal and external service users
  • Continual Service Improvement (CSI) of the support service
  • Allocate ERP support resources effectively and efficiently to best deliver a timely support service no matter the location
  • Automation of tasks to remove or reduce manual effort in repetitive and routine activities
  • Creating documentation, knowledge-sharing articles, and training to support the wider observatory.
  • The apprentice will be expected to attend most of their working hours in the office at Jodrell Bank

Key Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and supervision of the ERP Systems Manager and ERP colleagues, the ERP Support Apprentice will:

  • Assist in monitoring the ERP helpdesk and responding to support requests
  • Maintenance of user accounts, and routine system administration tasks
  • Assist with identifying knowledge-sharing opportunities and updating ERP documentation
  • Create and amend SQL queries as required
  • Maintenance of accurate data for Finance, Procurement and HR

Project Work (Approx. 20% of working hours)

  • Support ongoing ERP projects by performing assigned tasks under supervision
  • Assist the implementation of improvements in relation to SQL queries and system automation as part of project participation
  • Assist with system upgrades, testing and software rollouts
  • Contribute to documentation and process improvements as part of project learning activities

Where you'll work

Jodrell Bank Observatory Lower Withington
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 9DL

Training

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

Training provider

NOWSKILLS LIMITED

Training course

Data technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Select and migrate data from already identified sources.
  • Format and save datasets.
  • Summarise, analyse and explain gathered data.
  • Combine data sets from multiple sources and present in format appropriate to the task.
  • Use tools and/or apply basic statistical methods to identify trends and patterns in data.
  • Identify faults and cleanse data to improve data quality, for example identifying gaps, duplicate entries, outliers and unusual variances, including cross-checking across data elements or between data sources.
  • Audit data results for maintenance of data quality, reviewing a data set once all sources are combined, to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency and traceability from original data.
  • Demonstrate the different ways of communicating meaning from data in line with audience requirements.
  • Produce clear and consistent documentation of the data provided to others and of actions completed. Where appropriate or mandated by the working context, this documentation should use standard organisational templates.
  • Store, manage and distribute data in compliance with organisational, national, sector specific standards and or legislation.
  • Considers sustainability and ways to reduce impact. For example, using cloud storage, sharing links to files, avoid storing multiple versions of files, and reducing the use of physical handouts of documentation.
  • Parse data against standard formats, and test and assess confidence in the data and its integrity.
  • Operate collaboratively in a working context that accounts for, and takes advantage of, the roles, skills and activities of others, especially those interacting with the same data sets or working towards a common goal.
  • Prioritise own activities within the context of the duties to be performed, taking account of any known or expected impact on others.
  • Follows equity, diversity and inclusion policies in the organisation for a common goal.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use different tools and methods to formulate and utilise effective prompts to research, apply, and evaluate data transformation techniques.
  • Select and migrate data from already identified sources.
  • Format and save datasets.
  • Summarise, analyse and explain gathered data.
  • Combine data sets from multiple sources and present in format appropriate to the task.
  • Use tools and/or apply basic statistical methods to identify trends and patterns in data.
  • Identify faults and cleanse data to improve data quality, for example identifying gaps, duplicate entries, outliers and unusual variances, including cross-checking across data elements or between data sources.
  • Audit data results for maintenance of data quality, reviewing a data set once all sources are combined, to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency and traceability from original data.
  • Demonstrate the different ways of communicating meaning from data in line with audience requirements.
  • Produce clear and consistent documentation of the data provided to others and of actions completed. Where appropriate or mandated by the working context, this documentation should use standard organisational templates.
  • Store, manage and distribute data in compliance with organisational, national, sector specific standards and or legislation.
  • Considers sustainability and ways to reduce impact. For example, using cloud storage, sharing links to files, avoid storing multiple versions of files, and reducing the use of physical handouts of documentation.
  • Parse data against standard formats, and test and assess confidence in the data and its integrity.
  • Operate collaboratively in a working context that accounts for, and takes advantage of, the roles, skills and activities of others, especially those interacting with the same data sets or working towards a common goal.
  • Prioritise own activities within the context of the duties to be performed, taking account of any known or expected impact on others.
  • Follows equity, diversity and inclusion policies in the organisation for a common goal.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use different tools and methods to formulate and utilise effective prompts to research, apply, and evaluate data transformation techniques.

Training schedule

  • Off-the-job training (OTJ): As part of their apprenticeship, apprentices are entitled to a minimum of 6 hours per week of paid OTJ training. During their OTJ time allocated by their employer, apprentices will complete coursework, attend training, and study
  • Within 4-6 weeks of beginning work at the organisation, your Tutor will make contact by email with the you and your workplace Mentor to arrange a mutually convenient Induction date. Subsequent 1:1 Training and review sessions will take place monthly either at the company premises or as a live virtual meeting
  • You will also attend 6 live virtual training sessions. Dates will be confirmed during Induction. These training sessions are live, online and take place Monday - Thursday from 9.30am - 4.30pm

More training information

Throughout the apprenticeship, the post holder will: 

  • Develop technical skills through hands-on experience, guided tasks, and formal training through the apprenticeship programme
  • Learn and gain experience handling SQL databases and creating and maintaining SQL reports
  • Gain knowledge of ERP system delivery, customer service, system administration, and data security
  • Gain basic Finance and Procurement knowledge to assist with their role
  • Be supported by experienced ERP staff, with regular feedback and structured opportunities to grow in autonomy and capability

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 3)
  • Maths (grade 3)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Time management
  • Personal integrity

Other requirements

Mandatory Requirements 

  • A genuine interest in database system administration and technology, with a willingness to learn and develop.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft or Apple computing devices and an aptitude for technology.
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to follow instructions and procedures carefully, paying attention to detail.

Desired (but not essential) 

  • An interest in Finance and Procurement, and how business support functions should enable an organisation’s success.
  • Basic awareness of cloud-based tools (e.g., Dropbox, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).
  • Awareness of IT Service Management (ITSM) concepts, such as ITIL. 

About this employer

The SKAO is a next-generation radio astronomy-driven Big Data facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond.

Company benefits

  • Annual Leave – 25 Days + 8 UK Bank Holidays
  • Pension – 0% employee contribution / 12% SKAO contribution
  • Support for Private Medical Insurance
  • Free Car Park
  • Social events – Christmas Party / Summer Party for employee and partners

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • ERP Support Executive

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NOWSKILLS LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000044844.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 28 August 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.