Data Architect

Data Architect Apprenticeship – Level 4

Employer: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Salary: £29,545 per annum
Location: Newport and Titchfield (Fareham), UK
Contract: Fixed-term (2 years)
Working Pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working or compressed hours
Grade: Executive Officer
Vacancies: 5
Reference: 487759
Closing Date: 18 November 2026 at 11:55 pm
Visa Sponsorship: Not available. ONS is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

About the Opportunity

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is recruiting five Data Architect Apprentices to join its Data Products, Services and Governance team.

This is an opportunity for people interested in technology and data to begin a career in data architecture while earning a salary and gaining practical workplace experience.

Previous experience in Data Architecture is not required. The ONS is looking for candidates with enthusiasm for technology, curiosity about data and a willingness to learn.

Successful candidates will receive structured training, mentoring and practical experience while working towards a nationally recognised Level 4 Data Analyst qualification.

What You Will Learn

During the apprenticeship, you will develop skills in:

• Understanding how data is structured, organised and used.
• Developing and working with data models.
• Understanding and managing metadata.
• Applying data standards and governance principles.
• Analysing and profiling data to assess its quality.
• Communicating technical information to different audiences.
• Identifying opportunities to improve data processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

As a Data Architect Apprentice, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the development and maintenance of data models.
• Profiling data and identifying data quality issues.
• Supporting metadata management, data standards and governance.
• Working with stakeholders to understand business and data requirements.
• Producing clear documentation and communicating technical information.
• Collaborating with colleagues across different teams.
• Developing knowledge of data architecture tools, techniques and technologies.

Training and Qualifications

The apprenticeship will last two years and combine practical workplace experience with formal learning delivered by external training providers.

You will receive:

• Structured training and virtual learning.
• One-to-one support from tutors and mentors.
• Guidance from an experienced Data Architect mentor.
• Practical experience working on real ONS data projects.
• Research projects and additional development opportunities.
• 20% off-the-job learning time.

Successful apprentices who meet the programme milestones will receive a Level 4 Data Analyst Diploma.

The programme is designed to help you develop the technical and professional skills needed to progress your career in data and technology.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• The ability to manage their workload and work effectively within a team.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions from different sources of information.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including explaining technical information.
• The ability to identify improvements and work with others to implement them.
• A willingness to develop personal skills and share knowledge.
• A genuine interest in technology and technical subjects.

Apprenticeship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Live and work in England or Wales.
• Have been at least 16 years old by 31 August 2026.
• Not already hold an equivalent qualification at the same or a higher level in the same subject.
• Not be in full-time education or undertaking another apprenticeship.
• Ideally hold GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification. Relevant experience may be considered instead.

Part-time applications will be considered, subject to a minimum of 30 hours per week, apprenticeship provider requirements and business needs.

The training provider will make the final decision on individual apprenticeship funding eligibility.

Location and Working Arrangements

The positions are based in:

• Newport, Wales.
• Titchfield (Fareham), Hampshire.

The ONS operates a hybrid working arrangement based on attending the office with purpose. Employees are expected to meet an overall office attendance requirement of 40%, depending on business and role requirements.

The induction will take place in person.

Please note that applicants must live and work in England or Wales to meet the apprenticeship provider requirements.

Visa Sponsorship and Security Clearance

Visa sponsorship is not available.

ONS cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have valid permission to work in the UK when employment begins.

Applicants using a time-limited visa must have at least 18 months remaining at the point of application.

The role also requires Security Check (SC) clearance. Applicants are normally required to have lived in the UK for three consecutive years immediately before applying. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates will be required to provide information about their UK residency and undergo the relevant security checks.

Salary and Benefits

The successful candidates will receive:

• Annual salary of £29,545.
• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Structured apprenticeship training.
• Support from experienced mentors and tutors.
• Opportunities for professional and technical development.
• Flexible working arrangements, subject to business requirements.
• Practical experience within a major UK government department.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment process consists of two stages.

Stage 1: Application

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Work history and CV.
• Skills and experience.
• A personal statement of up to 1,250 words.

Applicants must provide examples demonstrating how they meet each essential criterion.

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) is recommended when explaining relevant experience.

Civil Service Success Profiles behaviour examples are not required at this application stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Shortlisted candidates will attend an interview assessed against the following behaviours:

• Working Together.
• Making Effective Decisions.
• Changing and Improving.
• Communicating and Influencing.

Candidates must also deliver a five-minute presentation. The presentation topic will be sent to shortlisted applicants one week before their interview.

Interviews will take place in person at the Newport or Titchfield offices.

Travel expenses will not be reimbursed, and candidates must bring valid photo identification.

Important Recruitment Dates

• Candidate information session: 9 November 2026 at 12 noon.
• Application closing date: 18 November 2026.
• Supplier and security eligibility checks: 18–25 November 2026.
• Application sift: From 30 November 2026.
• Interviews: From 16 December 2026, with some interviews taking place in the New Year.
• Expected apprenticeship start: April 2027, subject to security clearance and onboarding.

A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months.

Candidate Information Session

The ONS will hold an online information session for interested applicants.

Date: Monday, 9 November 2026
Time: 12:00 noon

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official Civil Service Jobs website.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, particularly the England and Wales residency requirement, right-to-work conditions and security clearance requirements, before applying.

Closing date: 18 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.