Apprentice data analyst Review

My role involves data governance, which involves ensuring we as an organisation understand where our data comes from, what is done to it to make it usable and where it lands. I have been part of a project to document data lineage and ensure the bank has the right level of context to make its data high quality. In terms of other day to day responsibilities, these have included:
1) on-boarding and supporting stakeholders involved with the programme
2) setting up meetings
3) workflow analysis
4) managing my time between meetings
5) keeping up to date with my apprenticeship learning.

Induction was handled by the bank and was fairly good, although I'd have liked a more structured induction to our business area. I appreciate it's difficult given the varied nature of work even a single team in the bank performs, but it can help provide further business context.
In terms of the training, the employer has ensured I was given some mentorship on the duties we're meant to perform, which was invaluable, but as work has evolved, this has lapsed somewhat. However, as I have regular catch ups with my manager, we've ensured that for the next quarter, there will be more of a focus on opportunities to put into practice what I've learnt.
The qualification is structured in two parts. The level 6 focused more on general IT skills. I didn't find this qualification overly useful as I am a career changer rather than new to work, so it goes over a lot of tasks I'm familiar with, although the SQL module was good. The level 8 has been much better, and is more focused on data analytics tools and processes. Organisation has also been a lot better this year, although it's down to the tutor on occasion.

My employer is very supportive and has provided regular catch ups to discuss both work and development needs, as there is a very strong focus within the bank on personal development and on providing the tools to realise this. One issue is the sheer amount of free learnings available, which can be overwhelming, but work is being done to curate these and ensure relevant materials are better signposted. In terms of its data materials, the bank has a partnership with Datacamp and has a very structured academy available, which I recommend highly.

The learning provider is generally accessible via email and regularly checks up on us to ensure there's no problems. Regular sessions are scheduled with the learning supervisor, who discusses progress and next steps. I've not had any issues in getting in touch with the learning provider, although on occasion I have to send chasers.

As I mentioned, the level 6 part of the apprenticeship - SQL module aside - felt somewhat too oriented to novices to the workplace to be of much use. The level 8 touches much more in depth on data flows, data governance and data tooling, assisting in providing both an awareness of the terminology used as a data professional, as well as the 'art of the possible' in terms of tooling options and capabilities within data. I feel that the regulatory guidelines the provider has to follow in designing the qualification do constrain how useful it is to some extent, as the data modules could play a bigger role in the overall qualification.]

Yes

Very large employer with abundant opportunities career-wise and which offers a range of support options to its colleagues. Although it has a hierarchical structure, this is fairly flat, and senior management is very much visible and accessible. There are some of the usual downsides of working for a larger bank - e.g. it can be very bureaucratic - but it is focused on modernising itself and becoming more agile. Due to its sheer size and resourcing, can provide exposure to some of the cutting edge technology on the market.