Now that the miserable winter weather is finally (and slowly) fading and things are looking a little less depressing, it feels like an opportune moment to throw some energy into a new challenge. With that in mind, below is a snapshot of our top April apprenticeships, courses, and free learning options worth a look this month.

As always, if you’d like to talk through the current apprenticeships and courses available in your area, reply here to book in a quick call and we can talk through options together.

In this issue:

  • Top apprenticeship picks for April

  • How to pivot into a Data Science career (even if your degree isn't in IT)

  • Interested in Cyber Security? Join this 30-minute Home Office session

TOP APPRENTICESHIP PICKS

Degree apprenticeships:

Network Engineer Degree Apprentice - BT - Ipswich | £25,239 per year

Duration: 4 years

What the role involves:

You'll be working with the engineers within the Fixed Network team - basically going behind the scenes of some of the UK's biggest internet networks. Along with keeping millions of people online, you'll be learning a lot around problem solving in that kind of environment. You won't just be watching; you'll be testing out new hardware and getting involved in the automation that makes the network "smart." At the same time, you'll be working towards your Digital and Technology Solutions degree form the University of Suffolk.

Entry requirements:

  • Five GCSEs at grade 4–9 (C or above) including English and Maths. 

  • Three A Levels at grade BCC or above (or equivalent).

Why it’s one of our top picks:

Aside from a competitive salary (by apprentice standards) and getting a household name like BT on your CV, the perks are decent. You’ll get 24/7 access to a private GP for you and your immediate family, plus hefty discounts on EE and BT products. There are also genuine opportunities to progress within BT once you finish. It’s also worth noting that they currently have a variety of apprenticeships live right now, so it’s definitely worth bookmarking their page to find roles closer to you if Ipswich is too far.

Duration: 4 and years

What the role involves:

Alongside getting your Data Science degree from Anglia Ruskin University, you'll be working with senior researchers and gaining experience in a variety of computational biology skills and techniques, including next-generation sequencing analysis, single-cell transcriptomics analysis, and advanced image analysis.

Entry requirements:

  • 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above) including Maths and English.

  • A Level or equivalent in 3 subjects including Computer Science with a minimum of 112 UCAS points.

Why it’s one of our top picks:

Get your foot in the door with one of the best and most well-known universities in the world, doing work that actually changes lives. It’s also a great combination of Data Science and Pharma, which opens a lot of doors to high-paying careers later on.

Higher apprenticeships (Level 4–5):

Junior Management Consultant – IBM - London, Manchester, Hursley | £27,000 per year

Duration: 2 years

What the role involves:

You’ll be working 4 days a week on client-facing projects within areas like healthcare, defence, and local government. Your day-to-day will involve assisting senior consultants with data collection and analysis, building relationships with clients, and helping develop tech solutions for their specific challenges. You’ll also spend one day a week studying for your Level 4 Junior Management Consultant qualification. It’s a very hands-on role where you’ll be learning the ropes of consulting—from report writing to understanding AI and commercial trends.

Entry requirements:

  • GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.

  • You must have completed Further Education (A-Levels, BTEC or equivalent) before starting.

Why it’s one of our top picks:

Get your foot in the door with a global leader like IBM, starting on a very competitive salary of £27k. You also get some great perks, like 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and access to "IBM Rewards" for high-street discounts. Plus, no online assessment is required for this one—you just need to be curious about tech and ready to learn.

Data Analyst - Financial Conduct Authority - London | £25,700 per year

Duration: 2 years

What the role involves:

You’ll be joining the FCA’s Data and Digital programme to help regulate UK financial services using data. The role is all about collecting and organising data to find insights that help keep markets fair (and we definitely need more of that in the world right now!). While you're working, you’ll also be studying for your Level 4 Data Analyst qualification, learning the technical side of data integration and integration tools.

Entry requirements:

  • GCSE Maths and English are required.

  • 2 A-Levels (Grade C or above) including a numerical subject like Maths, Economics, or Finance.

Why it’s one of our top picks:

This is work that actually protects consumers and shapes the future of the economy. It’s a solid starting salary of £25.7k and comes with some of the best office perks in London, including a subsidised on-site gym and restaurant at their Stratford base. You also get private healthcare and a non-contributory pension, which is a massive bonus at this level. Since the FCA is a huge organisation, starting here as an apprentice opens up a lot of paths into high-level data and policy roles later on.

Level 3 apprenticeships:

Technical & Services Apprentice – Softcat - Manchester, Marlow, Birmingham | £18,000 per year

Duration: 18 months

What the role involves:

You'll be rotating through various teams in Softcat’s "Tech Group," which basically means you’ll get to see every side of how a massive IT provider actually works. One month you might be helping with customer service and support, and the next you could be getting stuck into the operational or logistics side of delivering tech solutions. It's a great way to figure out which area of tech you actually enjoy while working towards a Level 3 qualification (usually in Business Admin or ICT, depending on the specific team you land in).

Entry requirements:

  • No specific tech background or qualifications are required—they're more interested in your attitude.

Why it’s one of our top picks:

Softcat is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the UK, and this role is a great "foot in the door" since there are no formal entry requirements—they just want a good attitude. The Marlow HQ is a top-tier environment with perks like pool tables, a 24/7 onsite doctor, and even office visits from a masseuse. It’s also very flexible with a hybrid setup (3 days in, 2 days home) and a real focus on helping you progress into a permanent role once your 18 months are up.

Technology Business Management Apprentice – Fidelity International - Surrey | £24,7500 per year (plus a £500 sign on bonus)

Duration: 2 years

What the role involves:

The role is all about supporting the "Business Management" side of tech—so rather than just coding, you’re helping with the smooth running of the global department. This includes everything from data analysis and reporting to coordinating global webinars and internal communications. You’ll be working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders around the world, all while studying for a Level 3 Business Administration qualification.

Entry requirements:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 9–4 (A–C), including Maths and English.

  • You should be on track to achieve 96 UCAS points at A-Level (or equivalent).

Why it’s one of our top picks:

The starting salary is excellent for a Level 3 apprenticeship and even includes a £500 sign-on bonus. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t strictly a "technical" IT role; it’s a Business Administration apprenticeship based within the Technology department. This makes it the perfect blend of business and tech experience for anyone looking to move into functional consultant roles later on. Lastly, they’re currently offering a variety of apprenticeships so worth bookmarking their page.

FEATURED UNIVERSITY ROUTE

MSc Data Science– Arden University I London, Manchester, Berlin or Online

You don’t necessarily need an IT-related undergrad to move into Data Science. This course is a great shout for career changers because it’s specifically designed to bridge the skills gap for those coming from other backgrounds. Whether you prefer being on campus at one of their hubs in London, Manchester, or Berlin, or you need the total flexibility of studying 100% online, this programme is built to fit around your life.

If you’re looking to retrain without committing to a full three-year degree, this is a really appealing option. Data Science is one of the most resilient industries right now, and having a Master's on your CV from a specialist provider like Arden helps you stand out to employers who are looking for those specific analytical skills.

Duration: 1 years

Entry requirements:

  • A recognised undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) in a numerate subject.

  • Or a 2.2 Honours degree with 18 months of relevant work experience.

Timetable:

  • Blended Learning: 2 days a week on campus plus online study.

  • Distance Learning: 100% online, allowing you to study whenever suits you.

  • Intakes are May, September and January

Fees:

Circa £9,500 - £10,500. Fees can be covered by Student Finance postgraduate loans, which you only start repaying once you’re earning over the threshold.

WORTH KNOWING

If you’re interested in how the Home Office actually handles cyber security, they’re running a short, virtual recruitment session that’s worth jumping on.

You’ll get to hear from their tech recruiters and people currently working in their cyber teams. They’re going to be talking through how they recruit and the kind of work they’re doing right now to keep the country’s digital infrastructure safe.

Whether you’re already working in the industry or looking to switch into it, this is a useful way to see what life is actually like inside the Home Office’s digital team. They’re actively hiring and are open to people from a mix of backgrounds, so it’s a good chance to get a direct line to the people doing the hiring.

When: Wednesday, 15th April Time: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM (It’s only 30 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into a lunch break)

That’s all for this one! As always, don’t hesitate to reply here if you want more detailed info on any of the apprenticeships, courses or articles.

See you in the next one!