Skilled data analysts play an essential role in helping organizations improve operations and increase efficiency, so it is no surprise that these experts are in high demand. Data analyst jobs like market research analysts and operations research analysts are expected to grow by 19 and 23 percent, respectively, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A data analyst apprenticeship can help you jumpstart a career in this field.
Data analyst apprentices get mentorship from industry experts and on-the-job training designed to prepare them for a seamless transition into a full-time career. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about data analytics apprenticeships, including available data analyst apprenticeship programs, future job prospects, and average apprentice pay.
Key Takeaways
- Data analyst apprenticeships provide on-the-job training and mentorship, offering a pathway to a full-time career with the hiring company.
- Top data analytics apprenticeship programs are offered by major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and Lockheed Martin.
- Data analyst apprentices learn to gather, inspect, and extract insights from data sets, use data systems securely, and develop advanced critical-thinking skills.
- The average data analytics apprentice earns a competitive wage, with salary influenced by experience, workload, and employer.
- After completing an apprenticeship for data analysis, you will be equipped with strong analytical skills and a familiarity with analytics tools like Python, Excel, SAS, MySQL, and Tableau.
What Is a Data Analyst Apprenticeship?
A data analytics apprenticeship is a company-specific work training program that teaches you the relevant experience and skills needed to become part of that company’s future workforce. Most data analyst apprentices have a good chance of being hired for full-time employment after the program ends.
To apply for a data analyst apprenticeship, you need to have basic knowledge of data, data structures, and different data analysis approaches. Apprentices will develop the practical application of this knowledge under the guidance of a mentor.
The 5 Best Data Analytics Apprenticeship Programs
Landing any one of the data analyst apprenticeship jobs included in the table below will ensure that you have the high-quality training and mentorship you need to impress any hiring manager. Having a data analytics apprenticeship at a major company like Google or Microsoft on your resume can make all the difference in this competitive field.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics Apprenticeship | Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, New York, remote | 20 months | |
| Data Analyst Apprenticeship | Microsoft | Atlanta, Cambridge, Redmond, Reston, Sunnyvale | 16 weeks |
| Data Analyst Apprenticeship | Amazon | London | 36 months |
| Junior Data Analyst Apprenticeship | IBM | Multiple US cities | 12 months |
| Data Analytics Apprenticeship | Lockheed Martin | Manassas, Moorestown, Liverpool | Varies |
The Best Data Analyst Apprenticeships: In Detail
The best data analyst apprenticeships are the ones offered by big tech companies. These are paid programs that give you a chance to study, undergo training, and earn money at the same time. Read below for more information about the top entry-level data analytics apprenticeship jobs provided by some of the best employers in the industry.
Google Data Analytics Apprenticeships
Google’s data analytics apprenticeship program is a paid opportunity that begins with a six-week virtual coding bootcamp designed to provide foundational skills. After the bootcamp, participants are placed with a Google team for several months of on-the-job training. You will need to have good English communication skills and a solid academic performance to get accepted.
A key feature of this data analyst apprenticeship is holistic career development and participants experience multiple career workshops to ensure they are prepared for their next endeavors. Vacancies for Google data analyst apprenticeships open at different times of the year, so check the website frequently.
Microsoft Data Apprenticeship Pathway
The Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program has a data analyst apprenticeship pathway with different locations around the world. The program involves traditional classroom learning and hands-on technical training. Apprentices work alongside Microsoft employees and get a chance to practice their skills on real products.
To apply for a data apprenticeship with Microsoft, you need a college degree in a related subject. After you submit an application with a personal essay, you’ll be invited to attend an internship interview before being accepted to the program.
Amazon Data Analysis Apprenticeship
Amazon offers numerous apprenticeship programs all over the world but its data analyst apprenticeship is based in the UK. Participants must have a related undergraduate degree and be ready to work 40 hours per week. The program combines self-study, digital learning, and face-to-face workshops. By the end of the data apprenticeship, you’ll be an expert at every stage of the data analysis lifecycle.
IBM Junior Data Analyst Apprenticeship
IBM offers a wide range of apprenticeship programs as part of its New Collar initiative, which focuses on providing technical training to workers without a bachelor’s degree. The apprenticeship for data analysis covers topics like data visualization techniques, statistics, R, Python, and how to communicate your findings with stakeholders. Make sure to check the company website for current job openings.
Lockheed Martin Data Analysis Apprenticeship
Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace security and weapons manufacturing company that offers apprenticeship opportunities ranging from aircraft maintenance to engineering. Under the data analyst apprenticeship program, you get a chance to undergo hands-on training by industry experts with a particular focus on building your leadership skills.
Lockheed Martin apprentices receive many of the same benefits as other employees, including flexible schedules, competitive pay, and time off. The company also offers several additional apprenticeship opportunities specifically for veterans working on rejoining the workforce as a civilian.
Are There Remote Data Analyst Apprenticeship Jobs?
Yes, while these positions are not common, you can attend some data analyst apprenticeships remotely. For example, Google has offered remote data apprenticeship jobs in the past. Microsoft Leap apprenticeships also took place online during the pandemic.
What Does a Data Analyst Apprentice Do?
A data analyst apprentice’s responsibilities are to learn what a professional data analyst does and how to perform these tasks. The duties of a data analyst include gathering and inspecting a company’s data and extracting essential information to support various decision-making processes.
As a data analyst apprentice, you get to learn through hands-on projects and mentoring. You’ll learn the skills needed to analyze data sets, use data systems securely, apply statistical methodologies, and visualize data.
Data Analytics Apprenticeship Salary
The average data analytics apprentice earns $80,429 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. Less than 10 percent of these apprentices earn $32,500 or less and the top 25 percent earn more than $91,000 annually.
Your data analyst apprenticeship salary will largely depend on the employer, the workload, and your experience. Apprentices are entitled to a salary of at least minimum wage and can get employee benefits like sick leave and healthcare.
Data Analyst Apprenticeship Requirements
The requirements for a data analyst apprenticeship will depend on the employer. In general, candidates should have strong analytical skills, enjoy math, and have basic knowledge of data analytics software. Companies looking to hire data analyst apprentices usually want someone currently enrolled in or pursuing undergraduate studies, or who has relevant experience working with data.
To be hired as a data analyst apprentice, you should be familiar with some of the most used analytics tools, including Python, Excel, SAS, MySQL, and Tableau. You should have strong attention to detail, be good at data visualization, and be a critical thinker.
Careers in Data Analytics You Can Pursue After an Apprenticeship
You can build a career in data analytics in a wide range of specialties because almost every industry generates data that can be analyzed. Data analysts can work in agriculture, medicine, commerce, and climate research. We’ve listed some of the most common careers in data analytics below.
Business Analyst
A business analyst researches and analyzes data related to business operations, products, and services. They present business trends to company leaders and suggest data-driven solutions to improve business operations and finance. This is a great career in data analytics for someone with a business degree who is looking to switch to a data career later in life.
Data Scientist
A data scientist applies scientific methods to resolve business-related problems. They work with large amounts of data using advanced analytics tools to analyze trends, data sets, and patterns. Data scientists are among the highest-paid in this field. They typically have more advanced statistics training than professionals in other careers in data analytics.
Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst conducts diagnostics tests to ensure that whole computer systems are working smoothly. They look at the data from these tests to determine system problems. This type of data analyst also suggests software updates and evaluates new technologies that might meet the company’s needs, so it’s a good data analytics career for anyone who loves to learn about the latest tech news.
Quantitative Analyst
A quantitative analyst uses information derived from data analytics to see financial trends and spot financial investment opportunities. They use math and statistics to see these trends and calculate the risks. Quantitative analysts are in demand in the field of stock trading, banking, and insurance.
Market Research Analyst
This data analytics career focuses on consumer behavior. Market research analysts review advertising and sales data to see if companies are finding their target audience or to identify a new target audience. They also research competitor performance and analyze the larger market to look for new sales opportunities.
How to Get a Data Analytics Apprenticeship
To get a data analytics apprenticeship, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the program and are highly motivated to learn. The apprenticeship application process can be competitive, and, if you don’t meet the requirements, your chances of getting hired can be very slim.
Most data analytics apprenticeships require some formal education, either through a university degree or a bootcamp. These programs will give you a solid foundation in statistics and computer programming so that when you do land an internship, you can focus on learning the practical business applications of these skills.
Data Analytics Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are intensive learning programs that teach students data analysis skills through a mix of lectures and hands-on projects packed into three to six months of training. At a data analyst bootcamp, you will become job-ready by mastering industry-relevant tools such as Python, Numpy, Pandas, and advanced Excel.
The best data analyst bootcamps include career prep and job interview assistance that gives you a competitive edge in applying for apprenticeships. Learning your skills through a bootcamp program is an excellent way to meet the requirements for an apprenticeship job.
Internships
There are a lot of tech companies that offer data analyst internship programs for college students. Internships are shorter, less intensive, and less competitive than apprenticeships. You’ll still learn about data analytics in an on-the-job setting, but you’ll have fewer responsibilities and do lower-level work. Most internship programs are part-time and can be paid or unpaid.
Getting into an internship program with a well-known company is a great way to boost your resume and prepare for a data analyst apprenticeship. You can even apply for an apprenticeship at the same company after you graduate from college.
Trade Schools
A trade school, also known as a technical school, focuses on honing practical work skills with fewer academic lectures. Colleges and universities offer data analytics programs that only take a few months to two years to complete.
Vocational Training
Like trade schools, some vocational institutes offer data analyst courses and certificates. Vocational schools focus on teaching practical skills. You can become a data analyst with or without a degree by enhancing your skills through vocational training. However, if you want to become a data scientist, you’ll probably need to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Is a Data Analytics Apprenticeship Worth It?
A data analyst apprenticeship will help you learn advanced data analytics skills through mentorship and work-based learning. Most data analytics apprenticeships are paid learning experiences. Even better, data analyst apprentices have a high chance of getting hired by the company they intern at.
A data analyst apprenticeship is a worthwhile step to starting a career as a data analyst. However, apprenticeship programs can be hard to get into, and they aren’t the only way to start your career. Data analytics bootcamps are another way to gain intensive training, hands-on experience, and mentorship.
Data Analytics Apprenticeship FAQ
Most people think that data analytics is hard to learn. Analytics requires a love of data and statistics, and data analysts need to have skills in programming, mathematics, finance, and business. It is hard to be a data analyst if you don’t like detail-oriented, computer-based projects.
How do you know if an apprenticeship is legit?
There are apprenticeship schemes that hire “apprentices” for cheaper labor. All apprenticeship programs should have an Apprenticeship Agreement with details like the number of hours required per week, salary, and scope of learning. Data analyst apprenticeships should pay at least minimum wage with a mix of hands-on training and mentorship.
Do you get paid as an apprentice?
Much like an employee, an apprentice should receive at least minimum wage in the state they work in. Data analytics apprenticeships usually pay more than minimum wage because of the education requirements needed to enroll in the program. Apprentices also enjoy some of the same benefits as employees such as sick leave and health insurance.
How many hours does an apprentice work?
A data analyst apprentice usually works full-time for 35 to 40 hours a week. Lectures, mentor meetings, and other training activities count as working hours. Some apprenticeships are available on a part-time contract, with 16-20 hours of work and learning per week.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
