Senior Data Analyst Review
at Cornwall Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Data Analysis
Truro
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role as a data analyst involves creating and maintaining PowerBI reports to guide decision making and support policies. I submit statutory returns annually and publish annual monitoring reports.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme - I have learnt a lot and each session was engaging. Assignments set were useful in consolidating newly learnt information, but also had elements of having to do further research at times to fully answer questions.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt lots of new skills, especially in terms of building and maintaining PowerBI reports, and using Power Query to cleanse data and manipulate it in a way that makes it usable. I also learnt new skills from my apprenticeship in relation to coding, particularly Python (inc. packages such as Matplotlib, Pandas, Seaborn and Numpy), which supports my ability to understand DAX language for PowerBI. I built upon my existing statistical knowledge by integrating the use of Python (SciPy).
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure was well organised, with a timetable covering the two year programme. The programme was also flexible and allowed for a re-organisation of when certain topics would be covered to better suit the needs of the cohort. The expected schedule of session delivery was within timeframes.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have received a lot of support from my employer (specifically from managers) in terms of ensuring that there are opportunities to implement learning into daily working projects. I also had a lot of support in terms of protecting the time needed to contribute towards my apprenticeship hours, and my manager was supportive and engaging in review sessions. The only limitation from the employer as a whole was the heavily placed restrictions on some coding packages, which often meant that I couldn't use work devices and so I had to rely on a personal device and open source data.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have received a good level of support from my training provider when I have needed support, but that has not happened frequently. If I needed more support I am positive there would have been additional support in place, including additional calls to discuss problems.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has helped to boost my confidence within my role, and consolidate principles relating to being a data analyst. It has also enabled me to perform better in my role by highlighting new/different/efficient ways of working that could be implemented within my current role. It also allowed me to use Python coding knowledge to complete a request that would have been awkward to manage in PowerBI.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are many opportunities to engage in different professional networking events and opportunities for additional learning workshops.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cornwall Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are many job roles within the council with a huge range of skills. The attitude to a positive work/life balance is good, and there are opportunities and support for continuing professional development and undertaking additional training if necessary.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cornwall Council?
I would advise talking to early careers teams to see what opportunities one could get involved with, and to see how their skills can support an application for a job within the council.
