Data Scientist Apprentice (Ofcom)
Office of Communications (Ofcom)
Manchester (M1 7ED)
Closes in 11 days (Sunday 6 September 2026)
Posted on 26 August 2026
Contents
Summary
We are looking for a curious problem solver, who is keen to learn and apply data science techniques to real world research and intelligence data.
- Wage
-
£24,479 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Salary £24,479 + £1000 flex allowance
- Training course
- Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
35 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 28 September 2026
- Duration
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3 years
- Positions available
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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
This role will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop and use skills in data analysis, data manipulation, data visualisation and data science to support Ofcom’s work in regulating the UK’s communication markets. Data professionals in the R&I team are supported and empowered to display strong analytical skills, using a range of tools and innovative techniques, to provide robust evidence to power Ofcom’s policy and decision making. They lead and contribute to high quality analysis of communications market data and deliver high quality internal and external publications. The successful candidate for this role will be enrolled in a Level 6 Data Scientist Integrated Degree Apprenticeship.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Use data analysis and visualisation tools to explore, transform and analyse datasets of varying sizes and structures from a range of sources, producing clear, repeatable and robust findings.
- Data Scientist Apprentice Strategy and Research Group Manchester
- Present analysis in a concise, clear, and easily accessible way using graphs, charts, well-written text, interactive reports and presentations.
- Engage with project teams in Strategy and Research Group and throughout Ofcom to determine and satisfy their analysis requirements.
Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do.
Where you'll work
6th Floor
1 Circle Square
Oxford Road
Manchester
M1 7ED
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BPP UNIVERSITY LIMITED
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
BPP apprenticeship training programmes are delivered virtually by our fully qualified and industry-experienced training team. Using their expert knowledge, we’ve purposefully built our programmes around the real-world use of modern technology, so that the skills we create can be directly applied in the workplace.
Throughout the apprenticeship learners receive coaching, help and guidance from a dedicated team who are there to ensure they get the most from their work experience.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
UCAS in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Curiosity
- Excellent numeracy skills
- Collaborative skills
- Methodical & logical approach
- Enthusiasm & commitment
Other requirements
Behavioural attributes
• Executing Plans – Organise tasks and set clear goals, managing resources wisely, while keeping an eye on progress.
• Pursuing Growth – Show your commitment to growing and developing. Pursue opportunities to learn and add to your skillset.
• Articulating Ideas – Express your ideas, thoughts, and information in a clear and concise manner, ensuring messages are understood by everyone.
About this employer
Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.
We make sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.
We also oversee the universal postal service, which means Royal Mail must deliver and collect letters six days a week, and parcels five days a week, at an affordable and uniform price throughout the UK.
We look after the airwaves used by wireless devices like cordless phones, walkie talkies and even some car keys and doorbells.
We also help make online services safer for the people who use them, by making sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.
We also help to make sure people don’t get scammed and are protected from bad practices. This is particularly important for vulnerable or older people.
Our duties come from Parliament. Our priority is to look after you, and we sometimes do this by promoting competition among companies we regulate.
We provide advice and information to thousands of people each year, through our website and call centre. We register complaints from people and businesses, which helps us to take action against firms when they let their customers down. Parliament has not given us powers to resolve people’s complaints about their broadband, home phone or mobile phone. Instead, these can be considered by alternative dispute resolution services.
We also help to make sure people across the UK are satisfied with what they see and hear on TV and radio, and that programmes reflect the audiences they serve. We consider every complaint we receive from viewers and listeners. Often, we investigate further and we sometimes find broadcasters in breach of our rules.
We are independent and funded by fees paid to us by the companies we regulate.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Opportunity for a full-time role upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship, subject to performance and a permanent position being available.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BPP UNIVERSITY LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000050169.
Apply now
Closes in 11 days (Sunday 6 September 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.