Data Technician Level 3

Content

Overview

Do you love looking at data and interpreting it to help make key decisions? Then this apprenticeship could be perfect for you. The broad purpose of the occupation is to source, format and present data securely in a relevant way for analysis using basic methods. In this role you will use data to help support business outcomes; blend data from multiple sources as directed and apply legal and ethical principles when manipulating data. Your work is crucial and could lead to increased profits and success for the business.

What does the day-to-day look like?

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues, managers, customers, and internal and external suppliers. They would typically work as a member of a team; this may be office based or virtual. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for collecting and processing data under the guidance of a senior colleague or multiple colleagues across the business. This may vary by sector and size of the organisation. An employee would mainly be responsible for their own work but may have the opportunity to mentor others.

Career Pathways include:

As a Data Technician, you will learn to…

Source data from a collection of already identified trusted sources in a secure manner. Collate and format data to facilitate processing and presentation for review and further advanced analysis by others. Present data for review and analysis by others, using the required medium for example tables, charts and graphs. Blend data by combining data from various sources and formats to explore its relevance for the business needs. Analyse simple and complex structured and unstructured data to support business outcomes using basic statistical methods to analyse the data. Validate results of analysis using various techniques, e.g cross checking, to identify faults in data results and to ensure data quality. Communicate results verbally, through reports and technical documentation and tailoring the message for the audience. Store, manage and share data securely in a compliant manner. Collaborate with people both internally and externally at all levels with a view to creating value from data. Practise continuous self-learning to keep up to date with technological developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development.

Qualifications or Industry Accreditation gained

On completion of this learning programme, the apprentice will have achieved a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard as a Data Technician.

Delivery plan and apprentice progression

Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice is supported by their work-based tutor, employer mentor and class-based tutor to ensure that they are progressing at the right pace and developing the skills and knowledge expected.

Month 1-15

• Induction
• Functional skills (where applicable if needed)
• Training to develop the occupation standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs).
• Training towards English and mathematics Levels 1 and 2, if required
• Compiling a portfolio of evidence

Month 15 - 18

• End of Teaching and Learning and time to focus on End Point Assessment
• Functional skills exams (where applicable if needed)
• Gateway
• End Point Assessment
• Course length is 18 months with at least 12 months teaching and learning

Off-the-job training

Every apprenticeship includes off-the-job training – equivalent to six hours per week. This takes place during time normally spent at work but does not include the usual daily duties and responsibilities carried out as part of their normal role. It can consist of work and tasks ranging from projects, lectures and seminars to day release, blended learning, and training to use specialist equipment. It can form part of regular weekly time set aside, or be combined for larger blocks of time, depending on the approach that works best for the employer.

Assessment Methods

Full time apprentices will typically spend 24 months on-programme (before the gateway) working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training. All apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme. The EPA (End Point Assessment) period should only start, and the EPA be arranged, once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is deemed to be consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, all of the pre-requisite gateway requirements for EPA have been met and can be evidenced to an EPAO (End Point Assessment Organisation). The EPA must be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months, after the EPA gateway. The EPA consists of 2 discrete assessment methods. The individual assessment methods will have the following grades:

Assessment method 1: Scenario Demonstrations with questioning

• Fail
• Pass
• Distinction

Assessment method 2: Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio

• Fail
• Pass
• Distinction

Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard grade of:

• Fail
• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction