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Data Operations Specialist

Turn raw data into business intelligence. Master the tools employers demand. No experience needed.

Built on the Data Technician standard (ST0795) — pure data focus, no leadership pathway.

12
Months
£13k
Funded
3
Qualifications
4.9★
Rated

What You'll Master

Excel • SQL • Power BI • AI Tools — the complete stack employers demand for data professionals.

Qualifications Included

Two recognised credentials at no extra cost:

Data Tech Cert (ST0795) NCFE Data L3

No Experience Needed

Start from zero and progress to professional-level. Clear progression to Level 4 Data Analyst.

✓ Ofsted Good
✓ Levy Funded
✓ Nationwide
⏱️
12
Months Duration
💷
£13k
Fully Funded
📚
8
Modules
🎓
3
Qualifications

Why This Programme Stands Out

🤖

AI-Enhanced Curriculum

AI tools woven into every module from Day 1, not bolted on at the end. Learn to leverage generative AI responsibly in real data work.

🚀

From Zero to Professional

No prior experience required. We build you from foundations to professional-level data operations, with clear progression to Level 4 Data Analyst.

📊

Real-World Projects

Learn through actual workplace data challenges, not hypotheticals. You'll solve real problems using tools that matter.

⚙️

Industry Tools

Excel • SQL • Power BI • AI — the exact stack employers demand. Master the tools before you walk into your role.

Your Skill Coverage

SQL
90%
Excel
95%
Power BI
85%
AI & Prompt Eng.
75%
Data Comms
85%
Data Quality
90%

Who Is This Programme For?

Whether you're just starting out or formalising existing skills, this programme is designed for you.

📋

Admin Staff

Moving into data roles from administrative backgrounds. Unlock new career opportunities with formal data qualifications.

🔄

Career Changers

Switching to data from any background. Get the skills and credentials to start fresh in a growing industry.

🎓

Graduates

Want practical data skills beyond your degree. Land your first data role with real-world experience and recognised qualifications.

📈

Junior Analysts

Formalise existing skills and gain recognised credentials. Boost your CV and salary prospects.

Qualifications You'll Earn

Two industry-recognised credentials that matter to employers across the UK.

🏆

Data Technician Certificate

Apprenticeship Standard

The apprenticeship certificate itself (ST0795). Demonstrates mastery of the full Data Technician standard through End-Point Assessment. Valued by employers nationwide.

ST0795 Standard
📋

NCFE Certificate in Data

Level 3 — TESS Bonus

Bundled by TESS at no extra cost. Covers data principles, collection methods, quality assurance, and analysis tools. A portable credential beyond your apprenticeship.

Level 3 Qualification

Your 12-Month Learning Journey

8 focused modules across 4 phases. From data fundamentals to professional practice, with full KSB coverage and EPA preparation built in.

1

Foundations (Months 1–3)

3 months | Modules 1–2
MODULE 1
01
Data Principles & Sources

Types, sources, and structures of data. GDPR, data ethics, and AI awareness. Securely access and extract data from organisational systems.

MODULE 2
02
Excel & Spreadsheet Mastery

From fundamentals to advanced formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, conditional formatting, and automated reporting dashboards.

2

Core Skills (Months 4–6)

3 months | Modules 3–4
MODULE 3
03
SQL & Database Management

Relational databases, SELECT queries, JOINs, subqueries, and aggregations. Data anonymisation and combining data from multiple sources.

MODULE 4
04
Data Quality & Validation

Identify and fix duplicates, missing values, and outliers. Validation methods, corrective actions, and prompt engineering for data transformation.

3

Visualisation & Insight (Months 7–9)

3 months | Modules 5–6
MODULE 5
05
Power BI & Data Visualisation

Build interactive dashboards, master DAX fundamentals, choose the right chart types, and design visuals tailored to different audiences.

MODULE 6
06
Data Communication & Storytelling

Turn data into decisions. Written reports, verbal presentations, stakeholder collaboration, and data storytelling for technical and non-technical audiences.

4

Integration & EPA Prep (Months 10–12)

3 months | Modules 7–8
MODULE 7
07
Capstone Integration Project

End-to-end workplace project: identify a business question, collect and clean data, analyse with statistical methods, visualise in Power BI, and present findings.

MODULE 8
08
Professional Practice & EPA Preparation

Portfolio compilation, KSB gap analysis, mock scenario demonstrations, professional discussion rehearsals, and CPD planning. Full EPA readiness.

100% Levy Funded

Your employer's investment covers it all.

Nationwide Delivery

Blended learning fits your location.

Ofsted Good

Trusted provider, proven quality.

Why Choose TESS Group?

Data Quality Expertise

We don't teach data in isolation. Every module emphasises quality, ethics, and real-world impact.

Real-World Projects

Learn by solving actual workplace data challenges. Your capstone project becomes part of your portfolio.

Continuous Support

Dedicated trainers, monthly reviews, and 1:1 mentoring. We're invested in your success.

AI-First Curriculum

AI tools aren't add-ons. They're woven into every module. Learn to use AI responsibly from Day 1.

Clear Progression

Complete Level 3, progress to Level 4 Data Analyst. We build careers, not just qualifications.

Employer Co-Designed

Built with data employers. The tools and skills you learn are the ones hiring managers demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Data Operations Specialist programme.

What is the Data Operations Specialist programme?

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It is a 12-month Level 3 apprenticeship built on the Data Technician standard (ST0795). You'll master SQL, Excel, Power BI, and AI tools across 8 focused modules. Zero prior experience required. You earn two recognised qualifications: the Data Technician Apprenticeship Certificate plus an NCFE Certificate in Data bundled at no extra cost by TESS.

Do I need prior data experience?

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No. The programme is designed for anyone wanting to become a data professional—career changers, graduates, admin staff moving into data, and junior analysts. We start from foundations and progress to professional-level skills. No coding or technical background required.

What qualifications do I earn?

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You gain two industry-recognised qualifications: (1) Data Technician Apprenticeship Certificate (ST0795), and (2) NCFE Certificate in Data — bundled by TESS at no extra cost. These are valued by employers across the UK and give you portable credentials that enhance your CV and earning potential.

How is the programme funded?

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The programme sits within the £13,000 funding band. Levy-paying employers use their existing levy funds (100% funded). Non-levy employers co-invest just 5% (£650). From April 2026, the Growth and Skills Levy replaces the Apprenticeship Levy with broader flexibility.

What about AI tools?

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AI tools including ChatGPT, Copilot, and prompt engineering for data transformation are woven throughout the curriculum — not bolted on at the end. You'll learn to use generative AI responsibly in real-world data projects from Day 1.

What's the difference between this and The Data-Driven Team Leader?

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Both are built on the Data Technician standard (ST0795), but The Data-Driven Team Leader adds leadership, performance management, and team development. This programme focuses purely on data skills without leadership content. Choose based on your career goal: data specialist or data leader.

Is there a clear progression path after Level 3?

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Absolutely. Upon completion, you can progress to our Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship, which goes deeper into analytics, storytelling, and advanced techniques. You'll have a clear career ladder from data operations to analyst to senior roles.

How is the programme delivered?

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Blended learning. Online modules, live sessions with trainers, practical projects, and workplace application. You'll spend time learning, practicing, and applying skills in your role. Nationwide delivery means flexibility for your location.

Ready to Become a Data Professional?

8 focused modules across 4 phases. Real qualifications. One year to transform your career. Start your journey today.

Get Started Now
✉️