Social Research Apprentice

Summary

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) apprenticeship programme, which provides a new route into careers in social research. Unlock your potential as a Social Researcher at the National Centre for Social Research. Join our team and gain hands-on experience in a variety of research methodologies, data analysis, evaluation & social impact.

Wage

£22,500 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Social researcher (level 6)

Hours

Monday - Friday, Shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours a week

Start date

Friday 5 September 2025

Duration

4 years

Positions available

2

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

Your day-to-day tasks will revolve around building essential research skills vital for success in the field of social research, such as:

Designing surveys, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, and writing comprehensive reports
Developing proficiency in statistics and utilising various research methodologies
Cultivating teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving skill

Where you'll work

35 Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0AX

Training

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

College or training organisation

THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Your training course

Social researcher (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Interpret research objectives and recommend which research methods are the most appropriate to meet objectives.
Lead on the design of smaller research or evaluation studies and collaborate with others to design larger studies.
Lead and design data collection tools such as topic guides and questionnaires.
Undertake data collection using qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
Design research projects with consideration of sustainability best practice including reducing carbon emissions.
Undertake quality assurance and checks to avoid data errors.
Work with commercial teams and contractors to commission and deliver social research.
Project manage smaller research projects and manage discrete workstreams within larger studies.
Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
Clean, analyse, and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
Evaluate and bring together evidence from a range of sources to inform decisions.
Interpret and derive insights from quantitative, qualitative, and secondary analytical and research outputs.
Collaborate with stakeholders and research customers to design research projects.
Use influencing and negotiation skills and techniques to design and deliver research projects.
Develop and deliver analytical or professional training teach-ins or documents for others.
Report and present on research findings, adapting the approach for different audiences.
Organise and lead meetings, using digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues.
Use software to clean, manage, manipulate, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data and identify solutions to research questions.
Interpret research objectives and recommend which research methods are the most appropriate to meet objectives.
Lead on the design of smaller research or evaluation studies and collaborate with others to design larger studies.
Lead and design data collection tools such as topic guides and questionnaires.
Undertake data collection using qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
Design research projects with consideration of sustainability best practice including reducing carbon emissions.
Undertake quality assurance and checks to avoid data errors.
Work with commercial teams and contractors to commission and deliver social research.
Project manage smaller research projects and manage discrete workstreams within larger studies.
Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
Clean, analyse, and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
Evaluate and bring together evidence from a range of sources to inform decisions.
Interpret and derive insights from quantitative, qualitative, and secondary analytical and research outputs.
Collaborate with stakeholders and research customers to design research projects.
Use influencing and negotiation skills and techniques to design and deliver research projects.
Develop and deliver analytical or professional training teach-ins or documents for others.
Report and present on research findings, adapting the approach for different audiences.
Organise and lead meetings, using digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues.
Use software to clean, manage, manipulate, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data and identify solutions to research questions.

Your training plan

Social Researcher Level 6 (Degree with honours) Apprenticeship Standard:

Our blended learning approach, combining online and face-to-face learning, allows apprentices to thrive in the workplace while gaining a degree.

Apprentices participate in the following off-the-job learning:

Online learning
Live real-time online classes
Online distance learning materials that will typically take 6 hours per week to complete
Face-to-face learning
Block residentials in Canterbury in September of Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
1 day-long face-to-face teaching session per quarter in London (this may be repeated in other locations depending on employer demand)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

A Level in:

Any (grade 96 UCAS points)

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
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical

About this company

Social Research Business

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Future career opportunities within industry

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