Daniel McCormick - Digital Apprenticeship

Daniel McCormick
Data Analyst

I had always wanted to study for a Master’s degree but after starting work I didn’t want to take a career break to go back to education full-time. The degree apprenticeship looked like a perfect balance – I’d be able to carry on working, but still attain a qualification directly related to the work I do.

In my day job, I am a Data Analyst. WWL generates masses of data across hundreds of systems, and my job is to use that data to help people in the Trust make decisions. Since starting my apprenticeship, I attend a virtual workshop for half a day every week where I collaborate with other apprentices and have conversations about how taught theory relates to our own workplaces and experience. I have found that the apprenticeship has given me tools to allow me to approach problems with different perspectives, ultimately building my confidence at work.

I always look forward to my workshops and enjoy working through the reading materials. For a Level 7 apprenticeship, I have found there is a large focus on self-study and my manager has supported me by providing me with protected time to carry this out.

I am expected to complete reasonably large assignments every 12 weeks, and these can be challenging, especially when my day-to-day workload is demanding. I can work on these during my ‘on the job hours’ but also need to put in extra time outside of work to achieve the grades I want to.

Over the next year I plan to complete my apprenticeship and hope to attend my graduation ceremony in person. My final two terms will focus on completing a large project and ensuring I have all the evidence I need to pass my professional discussion in a final review.