Data Science Apprentice Review
at BBC
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering, Data Analysis
Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.7 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
-
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
Daily collaboration with other data scientists, data analysts, software engineers and other teams to create machine learning products and tools that support products across the BBC such as iPlayer, Sounds, Sport. I'm given the opportunity to work across projects to develop my skills.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I love working with my team and the development opportunities I have been given. My only critique is the organisation of the program in Scotland.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have vastly improved my Python, SQL, and general programming skills since starting. My soft skills have also improved from working across multi-disciplinary teams.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I have separated blocks of study and work. This can make content switching difficult and I can feel segregated from. y team. However, this set up really helped me quickly develop skills.
My course is also in software engineering, meaning it is not always applicable to the data science work I do.
My course is also in software engineering, meaning it is not always applicable to the data science work I do.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My team are extremely supportive. They are very accommodating of my uni/work split and will always look to help me when they can. I am consistently supported through my daily work and know I can always reach out when I'm struggling.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
This is largely dependent on the lecturer. Some will go above and beyond to support you, but unfortunately some are hard to contact and get feedback/additional help from.
Some lecturers really emphasise the link between the content in their course and our workplace experiences which I appreciate.
Some lecturers really emphasise the link between the content in their course and our workplace experiences which I appreciate.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My coding has improved a lot through the university course. However, it feels that as a data science apprentice, a lot of what I have covered in uni so far has not been applicable to my work. These courses do provide me greater context for the workplace but don't directly help me in my role. I feel most improvements have come from the workplace.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
I am a part of several networks in the workplace. These are usually spread across the UK, with a Glasgow contingent. However, it often seems that the Glasgow activities are less frequent or well attended than the Manchester and London counterparts. I feel I have made friendships at work, but not many of these are in Glasgow itself.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe the BBC is a great place to come as an apprentice. There is a fantastic culture of learning and development, and the people are lovely. The projects we work on are interesting, and I enjoy my work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
Be honest and genuine in your application. I had little coding experience, but was told that my passion and enthusiasm to learn helped me stand out.
