• Data Engineering Logo
  • Data Engineering Logo

Launch your career in tech: Become a data engineer

Data is one of the fastest growing areas in tech. With career paths leading to AI, machine learning and Big Data, now is a great time to join this sector. On this free 12 week bootcamp, we’ll provide you with the perfect launchpad. This is a Skills Bootcamp – part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs.

What jobs could I do after completing the programme?

This programme trains you to become a Data Engineer, a person whose job is to build and maintain the tech systems that enable companies to navigate huge amounts of data, smoothly and securely. Similar job titles include Data Architect and Solutions Architect.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is open to anyone aged 19+ as at 31st August 2023 who is living in Greater Manchester and currently unemployed or working on a zero-hours contract.

You don’t need any qualifications or experience to apply and we encourage applications from groups under-represented in the tech industry – particularly women, those without university degrees, and those aged under 30.

We are looking for learners who:

  • have basic Python Skills (Complete the free W3 Schools training here to gain these)
  • like solving problems with a logical, step-by-step approach
  • have good attention to detail
  • feel comfortable with the idea of learning new software programmes, such as Microsoft Excel
  • are happy doing (or learning to do) a bit of computer programming or coding

What will you gain from the programme?

  • It’s free! Gain all the skills you need to kickstart a career in the tech industry, at no cost
  • Average estimated starting salary from £25-30k in your first role and access to future progression opportunities
  • Grow in confidence and resilience, while building your first professional network in the classroom.

What do we offer?

  • Free training You’ll learn all you need to be successful – from programming skills to the employment essentials that will help you achieve your potential.
  • Connect with employers At the end of the programme, Generation will connect you with employers hiring for data engineer roles, support you through your application, and help you transition into your working life.
  • Continue to receive your benefits if you are receiving Universal Credit or other work-related benefits such as JSA or ESA, we will work with you to make sure you continue to receive these during the programme.

All Generation bootcamps are delivered online via Zoom.

 

Program Length

12 weeks

Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm

Start Date

Coming Soon

Requirements

  • Aged 19+ as at 31st August 2023
  • Available full time for 12 weeks, and ready to start a full time job straight after the course
  • Not currently in education, training or stable employment (zero-hours contracts are accepted)
  • Have lived in the UK or European Economic Area for a minimum of 3 years
  • Have the relevant Right to Work in the UK (Student Visas, Graduate Visas, Skilled Worker Visas and Youth Mobility Visas not eligible)
  • Basic Python Skills (Complete the free W3 Schools training to gain these)
  • You live in Greater Manchester
Get connected With hiring employers after graduation
Department For Education Logo The Growth Company Logo

Coming Soon

A few simple steps

Take a look at the application journey
  1. 10 minutes 1

    Application Form

    Fill out some quick details about yourself to confirm your eligibility. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you'll then go through to the "Your Details" section so we can find out a little bit more about you, to enable us to provide the right support and advice.

  2. 2 hours 2

    Information Session - Find out more!

    A live, interactive information session. If you are unable to attend, or this event has passed when you apply, we will send you a recording.

    In this session, you will:

    - Gain an insight into a career in Data Engineering and hear from an employer
    - Receive an overview of what you'll learn from the course instructor
    - Learn about the Generation experience from previous participants
    - Find out more about our Data Engineering programme and next steps

    Come prepared with any questions you want to ask us!

  3. 20 minutes 3

    Complete a short task

    Please complete an online task. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have any existing knowledge or experience to do this. Please note, there is a time limit on the task, so make sure you are able to focus with no distractions.

  4. 10 minutes 4

    Document Uploads

    Upload some documents to confirm your Right to Work in the UK and your current Employment Status, along with Proof of Address. We will need to see these documents before we can give you an offer for the course.

  5. Up to 3 hours to read the W3 Schools tutorial and complete the quiz 5

    Python Quiz

    After the information session, you'll complete a Python Quiz which is based on the Syntax, Variables, Numbers and Strings sections of the W3 Schools Python Tutorial.

    The quiz itself should take around 10 minutes. There is also a 10 minute video provided during your application which covers the sections on the above website. We highly recommend reviewing the W3 Schools Tutorial before you attempt the quiz, so you're well prepared.

  6. 1 hour for interview and group chat 6

    Interview & Group Task

    Complete a short interview to help us understand a bit more about why you're interested in the programme. We provide a video in your online application which explains how the online interview works. You will then record your interview at a time that suits you.

    Afterwards, you'll take part in an interactive online chat with fellow applicants to complete a fun group activity together that looks at your communication and teamwork skills.

  7. 30 minutes 7

    Mentor Conversation

    If the programme seems like a good fit for you after your interview and group activity, we will invite you to have a conversation with someone from our mentorship team to find out what support you may need if successful in gaining a place on the bootcamp.

  8. 2 weeks 8

    Offer & Welcome

    If successful, we'll make you a conditional offer to join our 12 week bootcamp in time for the welcome period, which starts 2 weeks before the course start date. During the welcome period, you'll take part in a few online activities to get to know the amazing bootcamp staff who will be supporting you throughout your training.

  9. 12 weeks 9

    Start your bootcamp!

    Clear your diary for 12 weeks to start this remote learning journey with us to become a Junior Data Engineer!

Did you know? £25 - £30K average starting salary for our end roles



"From the programme I developed a new passion, discovered new challenges and set myself completely different goals."
Generation 2019 graduate

Requirements

  • Aged 19+ as at 31st August 2023
  • Available full time for 12 weeks, and ready to start a full time job straight after the course
  • Not currently in education, training or stable employment (zero-hours contracts are accepted)
  • Have lived in the UK or European Economic Area for a minimum of 3 years
  • Have the relevant Right to Work in the UK (Student Visas, Graduate Visas, Skilled Worker Visas and Youth Mobility Visas not eligible)
  • Basic Python Skills (Complete the free W3 Schools training to gain these)
  • You live in Greater Manchester

Location

Funded by

  • The Growth Company Logo

What does a Data Engineer do?

Think about how many customers a company like Amazon or eBay has. Millions? Then think about how many items they have online. Billions? And within that, how many types of individual information - names, locations, costs - all evolving all the time.

As a data engineer, you build and maintain the tech systems that enable companies to navigate these huge amounts of data, smoothly and securely.

It’s all about clear thinking, problem-solving and being ready to dive into the detail with your teammates.

Here's Henri, explaining the typical tasks you'll complete as a Data Engineer.

Skills Earned

Technical Skills


We'll help you learn the technical skills with lots of hands-on, interactive sessions. By the end, you'll know:

  • Database fundamentals
  • Programming languages including Python and SQL
  • Agile and scrum methodology

Don't worry if some of these technical skills aren't familiar to you — you'll learn them on the programme. The only technical skill you need to have before the programme is basic Python - to learn this, you need to review the W3 Schools Python Tutorial.

Behavior & Mindsets


In every job, there are key skills that will help you be successful. We'll help you learn how to:

  • Problem solve effectively
  • Be an awesome team player
  • Organise your time

Ongoing benefits of Generation

A Trusted Network

Continued contact with the Generation graduate network

Events

Events and workshops to help you keep growing

Give Back

Become a mentor to help others

Support

Troubleshoot your job challenges