IS Graduate Apprentice Analyst (DBA)
Computing and Information Services
Grade 5: - £27,319 - £30,378 per annum
Apprentice - Full Time
Contract Details
Contract Duration: 5 years
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: Standard working hours
Closing Date: 31-May-2026, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable
As a high volume of applications is received for our vacancies, if you have applied for this role in the last 3 months and not been successful, we usually do not consider another application for 3 months.
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding center of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary individuals, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across our institution, we offer a vast array of roles and career opportunities, making us a large and successful community that is a key hub of activity regionally and nationally. Whether you are at the start, middle, or end of your career, there is a role for you at Durham. We believe everyone has unique skills to offer.
Further information about the University can be found here.
The Role and the Department
The role supports the IS manager of the Database Administration (DBA) team with the management, maintenance, and optimization of effective DBA services to the University. It is part of the wider Information Services (IS) collection of teams, which underpin the delivery of customer-focused information systems and services.
This role offers excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience with data technologies while enabling the post-holder to develop advanced DBA skills. Specifically, the post-holder will undertake activities relating to, and work with increasing independence to:
- Assist in daily database maintenance and monitoring activities.
- Perform regular database backups and validate recovery procedures.
- Support database upgrades and patch installations.
- Monitor database performance and troubleshoot issues under senior DBA guidance.
- Support data security measures, including user access control and encryption.
- Help maintain database documentation, schemas, and procedures.
- Run queries and generate reports as requested by internal teams.
- Participate in database migration and upgrade projects.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and company policies.
- Undertake incident ownership and management.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- 27 days of annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- Parking across campus, a cycle-to-work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
- Access to exclusive discounts through our benefits portal.
- An on-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Wide-ranging health and well-being support, including discounted membership for our sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunities to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- Generous family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
- Passion for developing colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses, and apprenticeships.
- Generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help plan for the future.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Durham University
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, creating an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.
We actively work towards a supportive and inclusive community where staff and students can study, work, and live. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, women, and Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken a career break, please let us know in your application if relevant.
Essential Criteria
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics, or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
- Degree level qualification and demonstrable experience of software coding skills learned within a formal IT role, educational setting, or hobby.
- Experience working within a team to deliver high-quality services.
- Providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
- Managing time to meet deadlines.
- Residency eligibility - Legal right to work in England and meet the residency requirements detailed in the Apprenticeship Funding Rules for 2025 to 2026.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills and ability to develop effective working relationships.
- Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools.
- Industry or professional knowledge/recognition relevant to the role.
- Commitment to continuing professional development.
- Problem-solving ability, both independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of health and safety issues.
- Participation in networks to share and discuss good practice.
- Experience in at least 2 mainstream scripting languages, including JavaScript.
Desirable Criteria
- Basic understanding of SQL and relational database concepts, including database security principles.
- Familiarity with database platforms such as MySQL, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server.
- Basic understanding of SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL.
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
- Contribute to equality, diversity, and inclusion and the University’s values.
- Apply relevant industry and professional standards to ensure safety and security of facilities.
- Respond to queries and provide information/advice.
- Investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role.
- Use technical knowledge and specialist skills in various capacities.
- Analyze the service being delivered and provide reports to senior colleagues.
Planning and Organising
- Organize workload to deliver the role.
- Monitor processes to ensure team priorities are met.
- Evaluate the services provided to ensure requirements are met.
Teamwork
- Provide specialist support and advice to team members.
- Contribute to decisions on improving services.
- Seek feedback and recommend improvements to senior colleagues.
Communications/Liaison
- Provide advice and guidance to resolve problems and respond to queries.
- Build relationships with team members and others for collaborative work.
- Liaise with external parties to ensure services are safe and secure.
Sectors
Locations
Sectors
Locations
Computing and Information Services
Grade 5: - £27,319 - £30,378 per annum
Apprentice - Full Time
Contract Details
Contract Duration: 5 years
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: Standard working hours
Closing Date: 31-May-2026, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable
As a high volume of applications is received for our vacancies, if you have applied for this role in the last 3 months and not been successful, we usually do not consider another application for 3 months.
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding center of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary individuals, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across our institution, we offer a vast array of roles and career opportunities, making us a large and successful community that is a key hub of activity regionally and nationally. Whether you are at the start, middle, or end of your career, there is a role for you at Durham. We believe everyone has unique skills to offer.
Further information about the University can be found here.
The Role and the Department
The role supports the IS manager of the Database Administration (DBA) team with the management, maintenance, and optimization of effective DBA services to the University. It is part of the wider Information Services (IS) collection of teams, which underpin the delivery of customer-focused information systems and services.
This role offers excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience with data technologies while enabling the post-holder to develop advanced DBA skills. Specifically, the post-holder will undertake activities relating to, and work with increasing independence to:
- Assist in daily database maintenance and monitoring activities.
- Perform regular database backups and validate recovery procedures.
- Support database upgrades and patch installations.
- Monitor database performance and troubleshoot issues under senior DBA guidance.
- Support data security measures, including user access control and encryption.
- Help maintain database documentation, schemas, and procedures.
- Run queries and generate reports as requested by internal teams.
- Participate in database migration and upgrade projects.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and company policies.
- Undertake incident ownership and management.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- 27 days of annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- Parking across campus, a cycle-to-work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
- Access to exclusive discounts through our benefits portal.
- An on-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Wide-ranging health and well-being support, including discounted membership for our sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunities to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- Generous family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
- Passion for developing colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses, and apprenticeships.
- Generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help plan for the future.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Durham University
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, creating an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.
We actively work towards a supportive and inclusive community where staff and students can study, work, and live. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, women, and Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken a career break, please let us know in your application if relevant.
Essential Criteria
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics, or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
- Degree level qualification and demonstrable experience of software coding skills learned within a formal IT role, educational setting, or hobby.
- Experience working within a team to deliver high-quality services.
- Providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
- Managing time to meet deadlines.
- Residency eligibility - Legal right to work in England and meet the residency requirements detailed in the Apprenticeship Funding Rules for 2025 to 2026.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills and ability to develop effective working relationships.
- Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools.
- Industry or professional knowledge/recognition relevant to the role.
- Commitment to continuing professional development.
- Problem-solving ability, both independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of health and safety issues.
- Participation in networks to share and discuss good practice.
- Experience in at least 2 mainstream scripting languages, including JavaScript.
Desirable Criteria
- Basic understanding of SQL and relational database concepts, including database security principles.
- Familiarity with database platforms such as MySQL, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server.
- Basic understanding of SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL.
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
- Contribute to equality, diversity, and inclusion and the University’s values.
- Apply relevant industry and professional standards to ensure safety and security of facilities.
- Respond to queries and provide information/advice.
- Investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role.
- Use technical knowledge and specialist skills in various capacities.
- Analyze the service being delivered and provide reports to senior colleagues.
Planning and Organising
- Organize workload to deliver the role.
- Monitor processes to ensure team priorities are met.
- Evaluate the services provided to ensure requirements are met.
Teamwork
- Provide specialist support and advice to team members.
- Contribute to decisions on improving services.
- Seek feedback and recommend improvements to senior colleagues.
Communications/Liaison
- Provide advice and guidance to resolve problems and respond to queries.
- Build relationships with team members and others for collaborative work.
- Liaise with external parties to ensure services are safe and secure.
