2026 Apprentice - Digital (Data Science) - Belfast

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.  

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. 

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. 

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.  

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands. 

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 4PM FRIDAY 20TH FEB. We will not accept applications after this deadline. 

PA are delighted to announce recruitment Data Science Apprentices into our Belfast office. We can offer you unique opportunities to develop your skills and gain hands on experience in data-driven initiatives, including artificial intelligence (AI), where you’ll be using contemporary coding platforms and modern tooling – working alongside our top digital talent. First, a little bit about us and what we believe in.  

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.   

As strategies, technologies and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.   

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technologies, including the transformative realm of artificial intelligence (AI), we believe that embracing digital has changed businesses forever. Organisations that have embraced digital, including the integration of AI, are leading their industries and influencing others – and those that haven’t are falling behind.  

We work alongside clients across a broad range of sectors including Government, Health, Financial Services, Consumer, Defence and Transport, to help them take the opportunities of digital and data innovation for their customers, people, and organisations. Joining us as an Apprentice, you will work on a variety of real-life client projects, delivering innovative data-driven solutions to our clients' most critical business needs.  

During your time on the Apprenticeship at PA, you’ll learn much of what it takes to be a top-notch data analyst consultant. You’ll be coached and guided by experts and have countless opportunities to broaden your experience on challenging projects and programmes. Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to grow your networks, both here at PA and far beyond.   

We have partnered with the University of Ulster, where you will study part-time for a Computing Science BSc ( https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/computing-systems-36167) alongside your apprenticeship in PA. 

You will be required to secure a place on this course to begin your apprenticeship with PA. Your application to UU is separate to your application to PA, and you must apply directly with UU to secure a place on their degree course. We will not be able to apply for you.  

Key Responsibilities:   

• Working with a team of experienced data engineer and data scientist consultants to understand client requirements and develop custom data solutions  

• Learning and implementing new technologies and data and digital development best practices   

• Participating in meetings with clients to understand their requirements and provide data-driven solutions   

• Writing documentation and conduct training sessions to clients   

• Pursue continuous personal development in data analytics skills.  

Assessment process  

• Application form 

• Online Assessments  

• Shortlisting

• Assessment Centre 

• Final Stage Interviews  

Our Offer:  

• The opportunity to work alongside and learn from talented colleagues on real client challenges from the start   

• The support and coaching to grow your data analytical skills and experience on real client work, tackling real world technical and business challenges   

• The opportunity to work across all areas of the development lifecycle, from strategy to implementation, and to take on assignments in different sectors   

• The opportunity to provide high-level technical designs in collaboration with business analysts, data engineers, data scientists and data architects  

• A broad rich base of experience from which to build an outstanding career in data and digital  

• Full time role with time allowed – 20% - to participate in your apprentice programme  

• Hybrid working – you’ll be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. You will need to ensure you live within a commutable distance to the Belfast office 

• Salary potential: £26,230

• This role will start in September 2026  

A career at PA is what you make of it — so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact. 

We’d like you to bring :  

• Qualifications: Working towards or having achieved CCC in A-levels or equivalent, ideally one in STEM background - This is aligned with the entry requirements of Ulster University. Please see full eligibility  https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/computing-systems-36167 

• Technical understanding: A passion for technology that features in your personal projects 

• Technical Skills: Knowledge of both relational and non-relational databases, such as SQL and NoSQL, and/or familiarity with programming, such as Python, R, and SQL, is considered a plus  

• Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world. 

• Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed. 

• Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

• Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. A passion for data. 

• Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct. 

Apply today by completing our online application. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 4PM FRIDAY 20TH FEB. We will not accept applications after this deadline. 

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance.

All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.

We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.

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Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. 

Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self. 

Find out more about Life at PA here. 

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits: 

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days 
• Generous company pension scheme 
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives 
• Annual performance-based bonus 
• PA share ownership 
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn) 

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. 

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected]