Apprentice Data Engineer

Your Company: NET Recruit is assisting a distribution company in their search for an Apprentice Data Engineer based in the Kent area. Established over 40 years ago, this company has grown to become a leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh produce to some of the UK’s top retailers. Known for its focus on quality, integrity, and innovation, the company takes pride in its business practices and acknowledges that its ongoing success depends on its people.As part of its ongoing investment in technology and digital innovation, the business is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Data Engineer to join its IT team, working five days per week. This position represents an exceptional opportunity for an individual with a passion for data, analytics, and technology to begin a rewarding career within a supportive and forward-thinking environment, where learning and growth are actively encouraged.Your Role and Responsibilities While in this position your duties may include but are not limited to:

• Support the design, development, and maintenance of scalable data pipelines using tools such as Apache Airflow, dbt, or Azure Data Factory.
• Learn how to ingest, transform, and load data from a variety of sources, including APIs, databases, and flat files.
• Assist in the setup and optimisation of data infrastructure and storage solutions, such as data warehouses and data lakes, using platforms like Snowflake, BigQuery, or Azure Synapse.
• Help manage cloud-based infrastructure and services across AWS, Azure, or GCP environments.
• Learn to monitor data quality and integrity across systems and gain an understanding of data governance, lineage, and documentation best practices.
• Collaborate closely with Data Analysts, Data Scientists, and Business Stakeholders to understand data requirements and support business objectives.
• Participate in agile ceremonies, contributing to sprint planning and retrospectives.
• Complete coursework and assessments as part of your apprenticeship programme.
• Attend internal training sessions and workshops to support your development.
• Stay up to date with emerging data technologies and trends to continually enhance your skills and knowledge.

What you will need to Apply: The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in data, analytics, and technology, with a desire to develop a career in this exciting and fast-evolving field. A basic understanding of programming languages such as Python or SQL will be advantageous, together with good problem-solving and analytical skills.You will be an effective communicator with strong teamwork abilities, capable of engaging with colleagues and managers across the business. GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English are essential, and A-levels or Level 3 qualifications in STEM subjects will be considered a distinct advantage.To succeed in this role, you will embrace the company’s values and demonstrate a proactive, positive, and inquisitive attitude. You will take ownership of your apprenticeship by actively engaging with your learning, sharing regular updates with your manager, and volunteering for departmental initiatives that help develop your skills and knowledge. You will also be encouraged to identify one improvement the team could make within your first six months, reflecting the organisation’s focus on innovation and continuous improvement.What You Will Get in Return: This role provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised qualification in data engineering. You will receive full support from experienced professionals within the IT and Data teams, together with access to a comprehensive development programme designed to help you build your technical expertise and confidence.The company offers a competitive apprenticeship salary and a structured learning path that combines on-the-job experience with formal training. You will be part of a friendly, supportive environment that values collaboration, creativity, and long-term growth, with clear opportunities to progress your career within a leading organisation that continues to invest in its people and its technology.This role represents a superb opportunity for an aspiring Data Engineer to take their first step into the world of data, gaining exposure to modern tools, cloud platforms, and real-world business challenges within a dynamic and innovative industry.To express interest in this role and have a confidential chat, please reach out to:Christina Smith – Talent Acquisition Specialist M:  E: