Data Scientist Apprentice
Ofcom · Manchester
Computing, technology and digitalHigher Level 6On-site
Weekly Hours Worked: Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:00pm, 35 hours
About Company:
Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.
We make sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.
We also oversee the universal postal service, which means Royal Mail must deliver and collect letters six days a week, and parcels five days a week, at an affordable and uniform price throughout the UK.
We look after the airwaves used by wireless devices like cordless phones, walkie talkies and even some car keys and doorbells.
We also help make online services safer for the people who use them, by making sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.
We also help to make sure people don’t get scammed and are protected from bad practices. This is particularly important for vulnerable or older people.
Our duties come from Parliament. Our priority is to look after you, and we sometimes do this by promoting competition among companies we regulate.
We provide advice and information to thousands of people each year, through our website and call centre. We register complaints from people and businesses, which helps us to take action against firms when they let their customers down. Parliament has not given us powers to resolve people’s complaints about their broadband, home phone or mobile phone. Instead, these can be considered by alternative dispute resolution services.
We also help to make sure people across the UK are satisfied with what they see and hear on TV and radio, and that programmes reflect the audiences they serve. We consider every complaint we receive from viewers and listeners. Often, we investigate further and we sometimes find broadcasters in breach of our rules.
We are independent, and funded by fees paid to us by the companies we regulate.
About the team you’ll be part of
The global communications industry is continuing to change at breakneck speed. As the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom is at the heart of a sector which not only impacts everyone’s lives but also plays a leading role in the UK economy. The Research and Intelligence team is the source of critical information and insight within Ofcom, providing data and analysis on the communications industries. We sit within the Strategy and Research Group and provide first-class analysis and insight of UK communications market developments that serve as the evidence base for Ofcom’s policy and regulatory work. We work collaboratively with other Ofcom teams and with external stakeholders to deliver Ofcom’s objectives. Our work includes leading the delivery of Ofcom’s annual Communications Market Report, Online Nation Report, Media Nations Report and advising on the development and analysis of consumer research surveys, administrative data, operational data, web analytics and other new and innovative data sources.
The purpose and scope of the role
We are looking for a curious problem solver, who is keen to learn and apply data science techniques to real world research and intelligence data. This role will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop and use skills in data analysis, data manipulation, data visualisation and data science to support Ofcom’s work in regulating the UK’s communication markets. Data professionals in the R&I team are supported and empowered to display strong analytical skills, using a range of tools and innovative techniques, to provide robust evidence to power Ofcom’s policy and decision making. They lead and contribute to high quality analysis of communications market data and deliver high quality internal and external publications. The successful candidate for this role will be enrolled in a Level 6 Data Scientist Integrated Degree Apprenticeship.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Use data analysis and visualisation tools to explore, transform and analyse datasets of varying sizes and structures from a range of sources, producing clear, repeatable and robust findings.
- Data Scientist Apprentice Strategy and Research Group Manchester
- Present analysis in a concise, clear, and easily accessible way using graphs, charts, well-written text, interactive reports and presentations.
- Engage with project teams in Strategy and Research Group and throughout Ofcom to determine and satisfy their analysis requirements.
Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do.
Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or social background. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.
As a Disability Confident employer, we offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our advertised roles. When you apply, you can let us know if you would like your application to be considered under this scheme (sometimes known as ‘guaranteed interview scheme’).
Skills required
The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success
- An enthusiasm and commitment to learning, developing and applying new skills and knowledge.
- Curiosity.
- Excellent numeracy skills - ability to interpret data and identify key points and insights, and communicate these to a range of audiences.
- Good attention to detail and a passion to ensure work is accurate.
- Strong communication skills and the capability to collaborative effectively.
- The desire and ability to analyse, manipulate, model, and interpret data.
- The ability to determine and follow a methodical and logical approach to work.
- Problem-solving skills.
Behavioural attributes
- Executing Plans – Organise tasks and set clear goals, managing resources wisely, while keeping an eye on progress.
- Pursuing Growth – Show your commitment to growing and developing. Pursue opportunities to learn and add to your skillset.
- Articulating Ideas – Express your ideas, thoughts, and information in a clear and concise manner, ensuring messages are understood by everyone.
Qualifications required
104 UCAS points and GCSE mathematics and English (grade C or above).
Training you'll get
BPP apprenticeship training programmes are delivered virtually by our fully qualified and industry-experienced training team. Using their expert knowledge, we’ve purposefully built our programmes around the real-world use of modern technology, so that the skills we create can be directly applied in the workplace.
Throughout the apprenticeship learners receive coaching, help and guidance from a dedicated team who are there to ensure they get the most from their work experience.
Future prospects
Opportunity for a full-time role upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship, subject to performance and a permanent position being available.
The essentials
Hours, commitment and the dates that matter.
Hours
35 hours per week
Duration
36 months (Ongoing)
Roles available
1
Posted
21 Aug 2026
Interviews
14 Sep 2026
Starts
Sep 2026
Apply by
06 Sep 2026
Training provider
BPP
Delivers the training for this role and manages your application.
Where you'd be based
M1 7ED© OpenStreetMap contributors
