A little about Hamza’s apprenticeship…
Apprenticeship Title
Level 4 Data Analyst
Job title and employer
Data Scientist at Ofcom
What are 3 skills you’ve learned so far?
1. Data cleaning using Python and Pandas
2. Data Visualization using Python libraries and PowerBI
3. Better time management to manage work/apprenticeship balance
What are 3 interests outside of work?
My faith - I am a practising Muslim
Gym - I go multiple times a week
Football - I play 5-a-side indoor once a week
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What inspired you to choose the apprenticeship route?
For years I always planned on doing an apprenticeship over going to University for faith-related reasons. In addition, I am also someone who learns much better in a hands-on and mentored environment rather than theoretical learning.
Can you remember a moment when you felt trusted with real responsibility? What did that involve?
During my apprenticeship, I was partnered with a senior data scientist to manage responses to a consultation about amateur radio licensing. Granted, I was partnered up but we focused on different aspects of the project. He managed data processing and I created a dashboard with the desired visuals from our stakeholders. Our stakeholder team are relatively older-fashioned, and this was a really helpful dashboard for them. They mentioned the things they wanted to see and for the most part, I was able to deliver that by using data visualization techniques. We constantly received glowing feedback from the stakeholders and also got a mention in an email to the CEO regarding how we helped to automate what was a very manual process.
What stands out as the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship experience?
In terms of data work, it was the above project. I value feedback to inform me on the quality of my work and the stakeholders were so thankful. Working iteratively with them to incorporate the different features they wanted was so rewarding.
In addition, more recently I have felt I am a valued member of my team, due to team discussions and task allocation - I feel trusted, and at the same time supported.
Personally, the most rewarding thing for me has been outreach activities to colleges and even my old primary school ranging from talks on data governance and architecture at Leicester College, to gauging the thoughts and feelings of Year 5 and 6 children on the topic of Online Safety.
What challenges did you face during your apprenticeship, and how did you grow from them?
I knew next to nothing about data analysis - python was a new field for me. What had sold me on the apprenticeship was the chance to work for the organization. In terms of coding and data analysis, to be honest, they were things that I found really boring and would turn away from since I am really not a numbers guy. However, as I got into the world of data analysis and python, I realised how transformative the work could be, and found the context behind some of these projects really interesting. This helped me improve my coding skills since I gained more of a passion for some of my projects and also taught me that maybe I dislike the idea of something rather than actually disliking that thing in practice.
"I am less reluctant to try new things now."
What moment made you realise you’d made the right decision choosing an apprenticeship?
Almost as soon as I entered the office environment, I had decided that this was the organisation I wanted to work for...and the apprenticeship would be the facilitating pathway for that. I've thoroughly enjoyed myself and have grown professionally and personally since then. We had an apprenticeship celebration evening in Cambridge upon completing the apprenticeship - that was probably the moment where I reflected on how far I had come, since two years before that I had no idea what I wanted to do.
Can you tell us about what life at work has been like since you finished your apprenticeship?
I actually decided to take on another apprenticeship after I finished my first one - Level 7 AI and Data Science. As part of my transition role, I was promoted and moved into a different team to focus more on data science. Since joining this team a few months ago, my skills have developed exponentially. I am regularly training machine learning models, feeding back results and insights to the team and working on building a relationship with other teams to inform our work and find new opportunities.
"A chance to gain knowledge and qualifications for free, while at the same time working in an environment surrounded by experienced professionals - sign me up!"
Here at Visionpath, our Ambassador Community is more than just a network, it’s a movement. Our ambassadors are current and former apprentices who are passionate about making a difference by sharing their real-life journeys to inspire the next generation.
Are you a current or former apprentice who wants to get involved in the movement? Email ambassadors@visionpath.co.uk to get started.
