Data Science & AI Degree Apprentice

AUTO MOTOR EXCELLENCE

Harlow (CM20 2HU)

Closes in 7 days (Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 17 August 2026

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Summary

Launch your tech career with AutoNet VIP! Work directly with live business data to develop machine learning models, intelligent booking tools, and automated customer solutions. You'll gain hands-on commercial experience while studying for a debt-free BSc (Hons) Data Science degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

We offer a competitive starting salary with structured annual performance and salary reviews linked to your academic progress and contribution to the business. As you complete modules and take on larger data and AI projects at AutoNet VIP, your remuneration will reflect your growing technical skills and professional development.

Training course
Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday, between 8:00am and 5:00pm (or 8:30am to 5:00pm, exact shift pattern to be agreed). University attendance and study time are integrated into these working hours. Occasional Saturday working may be required.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 28 September 2026

Duration

3 years

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

Data preparation and management: Collect, clean, organise, and structure business data from booking records, customer enquiries, diagnostic reports, and workshop logs.

Data analysis and statistical modelling: Analyse trends in workshop capacity, customer behaviour, repeat visits, and vehicle fault patterns using Python and data-analysis tools.

Dashboards and data visualisation: Build and maintain interactive dashboards and reports to present key performance metrics clearly to managers, technicians, and customer service teams.

AI and machine learning development: Build, train, and test machine learning models to forecast workshop demand, predict repair requirements, and optimise appointment scheduling.

Process automation: Help develop intelligent tools, such as an automated customer enquiry system using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to categorise queries and streamline bookings.

Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with workshop technicians, management, and administrative colleagues to translate operational challenges into data-driven solutions.

Data ethics and governance: Ensure all customer, vehicle, and operational data is handled in strict compliance with data security, privacy, and ethical guidelines.

Where you'll work

27 Burnt Mill
Harlow
CM20 2HU

Training

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

Training provider

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

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.

Training schedule

Qualification and Delivery Model
You will study towards a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Data Science Degree Apprenticeship awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.

Training Locations

Workplace Mentoring: AutoNet VIP workshop based in Harlow, Essex.

Academic Delivery: University of Hertfordshire, College Lane / de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9AB.

Training Schedule & Structure

Study Mode: Delivered through a blended learning model, combining scheduled campus teaching blocks or day-release sessions at the University of Hertfordshire with guided online study.

Off-the-Job Training: At least 20% of your paid working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, university study, and completing assignments.

On-the-Job Learning: Continuous workplace mentoring by senior colleagues at AutoNet VIP, applying technical learning directly to live automotive datasets and software systems.

Review & Support: Regular progress reviews and Tripartite Review Meetings involving you, your workplace mentor, and your University of Hertfordshire Apprenticeship Progress Tutor to support your professional and academic milestones.

More training information

Training Provider Information Training is delivered by the University of Hertfordshire, an established higher education provider with strong industry links and purpose-built computing and technology facilities. Academic delivery is supported by experienced lecturers, data science specialists, and dedicated apprenticeship progress tutors.

Training Locations

Workplace Training: AutoNet VIP, Harlow, Essex.
Campus-Based Delivery: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB.
Course Structure and Schedule

Delivery Model: Structured blended learning combining regular on-campus attendance at the University of Hertfordshire with guided online lectures, seminars, and laboratory sessions.
Off-the-Job Allocation: You will receive protected off-the-job training time (at least 20% of your normal working hours) dedicated entirely to university study, coursework, and workplace project development.
Workplace Mentorship: Structured on-the-job mentoring and technical coaching from colleagues at AutoNet VIP, aligning workplace projects with your university milestones.
Progress Reviews: Regular formal Tripartite Reviews between the apprentice, AutoNet VIP mentor, and University of Hertfordshire Apprenticeship Progress Tutor to monitor academic progression, workplace application, and portfolio development.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade 4 or above)
  • Maths (grade 4 or above)

A Level in:

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

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Curiosity
  • Commercial awareness
  • Continuous learning mindset
  • Data security and ethics aware

Other requirements

Immigration & Funding Eligibility: Applicants who are non-UK nationals without Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the programme start date. In addition, your visa must remain valid for the full duration of the apprenticeship and extend at least 3 months past the scheduled completion date to comply with government funding regulations. Student Visas (Tier 4) are not eligible.

About this employer

AutoNet VIP is a growing, family-run vehicle repair and diagnostics business based in Harlow, Essex. We specialise in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies alongside traditional petrol and diesel models.

Built on a commitment to honest, high-quality service and cutting-edge diagnostic technology, the workshop handles everything from routine servicing and MOTs to complex electronic repairs and performance vehicles.

As a forward-thinking business, AutoNet VIP actively embraces digital innovation—including online booking systems, automated customer communications, and data-driven workshop management. We are dedicated to investing in future talent, supporting our apprentices with hands-on mentoring, modern technical facilities, and direct exposure to real-world commercial challenges.

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

Company benefits

100% funded BSc (Hons) Data Science degree (no student debt)
Dedicated workplace mentorship and technical coaching
High-spec laptop and necessary software licences for work and study
Generous staff discount on vehicle servicing, repairs, and parts
20 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
Workplace pension scheme
Opportunities to attend automotive tech and data science industry events
Free on-site parking at our Harlow workshop

After this apprenticeship

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

Upon successful completion of the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and graduation with a BSc (Hons) in Data Science, a permanent position within AutoNet VIP will be available for a high-performing apprentice.

As AutoNet VIP continues its digital transformation and business growth, career progression routes include:

Data Scientist / AI Specialist: Leading the design, training, and deployment of machine-learning models, predictive maintenance tools, and automated operational systems across the workshop network.
Business Intelligence & Analytics Lead: Managing company dashboards, commercial reporting, customer retention analytics, and data infrastructure to drive strategic business decisions.
Digital Solutions & Automation Developer: Overseeing the technical roadmap for customer booking platforms, automated communications, and garage-management system integrations.
Postgraduate Study & Specialisation: Progression opportunities towards professional body registration (e.g. RSS, BCS) or Level 7 postgraduate study (such as an MSc or Level 7 Artificial Intelligence / Data Specialist Degree Apprenticeship).

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

Dominic Whyte-Ifill

D.Whyte-ifill@herts.ac.uk

07543 301 817

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000048708.

Apply now

Closes in 7 days (Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 11:59pm)