Data Science Degree Apprenticeship

Job Details

Data Science Degree Apprenticeship

Job summary

• Kick-start a career in Data Science and artificial intelligence?
• AND work on projects that make a real difference in defence and security?
• AND earn a degree with no student debt whilst being paid?

It almost sounds too good to be true…but it’s not!

You can embark on Bsc (Hons) Data Science Level 6 apprenticeship.

Your journey in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) begins in either Exploration or Cyber and Information Systems (CIS).

You will share our values collaboration, innovation and impact, which are at the heart of everything we do. Your apprenticeship will see you exploit data and technology to solve problems as you support a range of projects. 

This is no ordinary office job opportunity – so many elements of what you do you can’t do anywhere else! 

You will be encouraged to question norms and bring fresh ideas to challenges. As priorities change, you can expect variety and we are honest when we say no two days are the same! 

Your studies will be supported by our training provider and the area you work in. 

Your current situation

You may have never worked in an office, be finishing sixth form, leaving the armed forces or looking for a change. No matter what your current situation is, if you are at least 18 years old you can join us as a Data Science Apprentice. 

What’s next?

Once you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, if you have demonstrated the required behaviours, we will support you in applying for a permanent position at Dstl 

Job description

In this role you will:

• Understand how data is collected and transformed to create strategic advantage
• Develop techniques to data manipulation and apply them
• Learn how to present data to customers, industry partners and academia

A full list is available on the attached profile on CS Jobs

Person specification

You will have:

• A genuine interest in Data Science, artificial intelligence and the defence industry
• A good understanding of basic mathematic principles and the desire to learn more

You will possess these essential skills:

• The ability to learn new data techniques
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Problem solving

Desirably you will have:

• Basic understanding or use of computer programming languages which may include either python, R or C++ - Familiar with an alternative language – let us know!
• A full list is available on the attached profile on CS Jobs

You will have these Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 ‘A’ levels (actual or expected grades) scoring 112 UCAS points (BBC) or equivalent with at least one in Mathematics or Computer Science or Physics.
• You will also need to hold 5 Grade 9 – 4 (C+) GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths.

Desirable:

• A second relevant A-Level in Maths, Statistics, Physics or Computer Science
• Maths GCSE Grade 9-6 (B+)

Don’t have an A-Level in Maths, Statistics, Physics or Computer Science but are a keen hobbyist, done some online courses? Please apply and reference them in your application.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. You must be at least 18 years old in September 2024 to undertake this apprenticeship.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £24,511, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £6,618 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

About Dstl

There’s nowhere quite like the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Our world-class team pushes the boundaries of science – carrying out cutting-edge work that supports our armed forces and keeps the UK and our people safe. Together, we explore ideas in everything from AI and cybersecurity to advanced materials and space systems. No one else does what we do. No one else makes the impact we make. 

Because of the vital nature of our work, we have to keep some things secret - not everything. Scratch the surface here and you'll discover a fascinating organisation with almost endless areas to explore. You’ll also find an inclusive culture where your learning and development will be both personalised and supported.

So if you’re ready to discover projects you just won’t find anywhere else (and probably won’t be able to tell anyone about) come and start your career with us.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.