Data Technician Apprenticeships: Why they’re relevant across all industries
A rise in how big data is used across all industries sees growth in new jobs and existing roles changing dramatically. In this blog, we go through the benefits of data apprenticeships to positively impact an organisation
Data Apprenticeships: Why they’re relevant across all industries
Data Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have within organisations rarely get discussed outside the main industries of business intelligence, finance, and healthcare that employ data analysts or technicians. Firebrand is here to change that! Join us in this short blog where we’ll provide the key information on all you need to know to make the right decisions for your business with a data apprenticeship.
A question that some of you may be asking is this:
What is a Data Apprenticeship?
A data apprenticeship is off-the-job training helping businesses upskill current employees focussing on current and future technologies that underpin the storage, processing, analysis and sharing of data. By using expert trainers like Firebrand; apprentices gain a sound understanding of:
- Communicating outcomes appropriate to varying audiences
- Analysing structured and unstructured data to support business outcome
- Blending data from multiple sources as directed
- Applying legal and ethical principles when manipulating data
The employee receives a nationally recognised qualification at the end of their apprenticeship, Firebrand’s being 16 months in duration.
Now for some juicy stuff!
Why are Data Apprenticeships important in all industries?
The 2019 Big Data and AI Survey found that 82% of businesses claimed they were yet to establish an effective data culture with a whopping 88% of data being used by companies going to waste.
Ouch! We felt that one.
With the evolution of cloud software, organizations are now able to track and analyze volumes of business data in real-time and make the necessary adjustments to their business processes accordingly.
Finances Online surveyed small to large businesses on their big data investments for 2022 and 2023. Here’s what they reported:
50% social media data
44% to documents and texts
41% clickstream media
34% videos and images
Imagine the impact this would have on your business if you had a dedicated data apprentice analysing your online presence and making recommendations to keep your organisation ahead of the game, responding to the trends being seen through this data?
Looks good, doesn’t it?
One such industry that has seen exponential growth is HR; Data Technicians have become incremental to their industry.
Here’s how:
- Optimise and streamline the hiring process to make smarter decisions along with the ability to collate, store, and evaluate 1000s of CVs!
- Understand and identify opportunities for growth, and the opportune time for such growth to take place.
- Identity and moderate ineffective processes and keep their leadership team well educated and informed with real-time stats.
Let’s talk employee engagement. We know you sat up straighter in your chair just then!
With the rise of remote working the use of big data is designed to not only improve engagement of employees but also to recognise and reward top performers.
On the flip side, businesses can also see where some help is required from lack of motivation, by analysing factors such as sick days, and KPIs to ensure employee and team morale is kept high, meaning organisations keep growing and progressing with a productive team and less time is spent on the costly recruitment process.
All of these facets above can be executed seamlessly within a data apprenticeship.
Surprising jobs that require data knowledge
It’s not solely IT organisations, the Public Sector, or online product or service providers that rely heavily on big data, here’s what we’ve found that may surprise you!
In no particular order:
- Farmers
- Actors
- Professional Athletes
- Police Officers
- Lawyers
- Vets
- Journalists
- Doctors
That’s right - literally any industry will benefit from a data apprenticeship where the small investment can be recouped almost immediately!
Key advantages of Data Apprenticeships for a business or organisation
The role of a data analyst is to document and report the results of data analysis activities to then make recommendations to improve overall business performance meaning you could make a saving on time, resources, and your bottom line.
Does anyone disagree that this would not be of benefit to any business? We didn’t think so..
Organisations see a rise in productivity of employees doing the data apprenticeship because they are engaged!
Optimum Skills Ltd report that 80% of employers that carry out apprenticeships agree they make the workplace more productive. How’s that for a stat?
With technical capabilities growing, there’ll be a growth in new jobs and existing roles changing dramatically, however, 74% of people feel overwhelmed working with data. That’s huge!
Lastly, according to Accenture this lack of data knowledge costs UK businesses £10 billion per year in lost productivity.
This means there’s a huge demand for data apprenticeships to fill the skills gap that presents a threat to business and the economy currently.
Are data apprenticeships worth it? ‘Yes!’, we all say wholeheartedly at Firebrand.
Allow us to help your business step into truly utilising your big data for lasting growth and productivity.
Firebrand’s Accelerated Data Technician Program - the breakdown
- Role of the Data Technician
- Introduction to Excel
- Fundamentals of visualisation
- Open Source resources
- Types, formats and structures of data
- Identification of Data Quality issues
- Database and Data Warehouse fundamentals
- Dashboarding
- Analysis of Data in Excel including power query and power pivot.
Don’t worry if you don’t understand all of this, you don’t have to! This is why we’re here. Allow one of Firebrand’s friendly team help you create a Data Technician whizz.
Learn more here or give us a call on 0800 081 6022 to have a chat about how we can help your organisation fulfill a data apprenticeship.