A high salary, generous perks, and opportunities to work in industries from finance to advertising. A job in data offers excellent career prospects. So it’s no surprise more people are looking to enter the profession. But how do you get your foot in the door as a data analyst – for free? Read on to discover more about the role and how you can get started.
What does a data analyst do?
Think of it as prospecting for gold – carefully sieving through data to come up with nuggets that solve problems, boost profits and guide decisions.
Data analysts gather information via software, surveys and other tools. Then they dig into it to interpret patterns, spot trends and make forecasts, before presenting their findings in useable reports.
Where could I work?
Pretty much anywhere! According to Forbes, more than 95% of businesses need to manage unstructured data.
You could work in financial services to reveal what patterns of behaviour are connected to fraud. Or in healthcare to help improve clinical outcomes. You might work in retail, examining sales data to make recommendations on product placement. Or delve into booking activity and destination trends for the travel industry. There are opportunities to work in government (MI5 or GCHQ anyone?), or apply your skills in media, manufacturing, engineering and entertainment. Data analytics is booming in every industry. Take your pick!
Do I need a degree to be a data analyst?
It is not necessary. There are several routes into a job as a data analyst – and you don’t need to rack up a huge university debt to get there.
How can I qualify as a data analyst for free?
As an apprentice! You have to be over 16, but there are no upper age limits. Kaplan’s oldest apprentice is 72! The apprenticeship levy will fund most if not all the training, so it’s free for the learner and highly subsidised for the employer.
What are the benefits of a data analyst apprenticeship?
As any successful data analyst will tell you, the best way to learn how to find value in data is to work with it in real world settings. And it doesn’t get more ‘real world’ than an apprenticeship. Simply put, an apprenticeship is a job with training. It’s a fantastic way to gain a qualification through work-based learning, whether you're starting or changing your career, or if you’re looking to upskill.
What’s the difference between a data analytics apprenticeship and some of the free short courses out there?
You may have heard about courses that provide a whistlestop tour of the skills needed to analyse data. While they are free, there are several limitations. And for those who want to do more than just dip their toe in the water, a data analytics apprenticeship offers a more in-depth and role-specific form of training.
I have no experience in data – where do I start?
Kaplan’s Data User Apprenticeship Level 3 is an ideal first step as a junior data analyst – no previous experience or degree required. Most people complete the programme in 18 months. By which time you should be familiar with the core technical skills to turn data into insights, and feel more confident identifying trends.
Can I develop broader data analysis skills for free?
Yes! If you’re looking to use Power BI or Tableau tools, our Data Analyst Apprenticeship Level 4 is a great option. This apprenticeship programme is an ideal progression path. And again, the average completion time is 18 months.
Is a data analyst apprenticeship right for me?
When you weigh your options on how to get a job as a data analyst, Kaplan’s apprenticeship path offers a bright outlook. It’s free to learners. You’ll be supported throughout. And, once completed, it offers opportunities for advancement in a lucrative, fulfilling career.
Take a look at our range of apprenticeship programmes and pathways and start your journey to becoming a data analyst today.