Award Winners!!
We won both the Best Data Graduate Employer Award and Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative Award at the 2024 dataIQ Awards!
We are honoured that our work has been recognised by the UK data industry. It is a privilege to work with our great trainees and consultants as we seek to support equal opportunity throughout the industry. Read more here and here to learn how we do it.
Unleashing the Power of Data for Career Success
Working with data is fundamentally about driving positive change. Whether you are optimising business processes, enhancing public services, fostering scientific breakthroughs or addressing global challenges, understanding today's world and adapting to new strategies are critical for success.
Every day, the world generates an astonishing amount of data, creating around 400 million terabytes—equivalent to the storage of 1.5 billion laptops. However, understanding and utilising this data is complex as it is often disorganised, messy, and ambiguous.
To harness the potential of data, organisations are building robust data teams capable of extracting meaningful insights that drive performance improvements. Data's importance is increasingly reflected in the boardroom; in 2021 42% of European publicly listed companies had Chief Data Officers (CDOs) who produce key insights and help shape strategies.
We have placed consultants in a wide range of industries, using data to make a difference such as by:
- understanding complex risks and developing insights that help businesses protect their operations;
- helping organisations align their financial decisions with climate goals;
- supporting the UK government as it transitions to a more digitally connected organisation.
By choosing to embark on this journey with us, you will not only gain the expertise to navigate the complexities of data but also accelerate your career trajectory. Join us and unleash the power of data to make a positive and lasting impact.
Data Roles
There is a wide range of data roles including engineering, analysis and machine learning. Our training will focus on one or two of these but we will also ensure you have a holistic view by experiencing each area.
- Data Engineer: data engineers build systems that allow others to manage and analyse large volumes of data. They are responsible for sourcing and storing data from multiple sources; ensuring the data is accurate and reliable; making data easily accessible to others; and analysing the data to show trends and create predictive models.
- Data Analyst: similar to a data engineer, data analysts also collect and analyse data but they spend more time visualising data to gain insights and then clearly and concisely communicate those insights to senior decision-makers. In addition to building pipelines, you will use tools such as Tableau and Python.
Start Coding
All of our trainees start with software fundamentals to ensure they can reliably produce clean code as part of a professional team. Our coaches will work with you to develop the habits and mindset required to break down problems, construct effective solutions and collaborate with team members.
If you are new(ish) to coding and want to know if a coding career is something you would enjoy, try Udacity's Free Intro to Python Programming. These lessons will allow you to learn a new skill and discover if it is something you want to commit a lot of time to!
Candidates who reach our final assessment will use Python to solve some problems and we recommend everyone complete the Udacity course beforehand. Even candidates who coded a lot as part of their degree have found this helpful by giving them a stronger foundation.
If you want further inspiration, then try out the following videos:
- What most schools don't teach you Some big names sharing their thoughts on the coding "superpower";
- The history of computer science The best way to know where we are going is to know where we have come from.
Training and Placement in Top Data Roles
We provide intensive training to recent graduates, equipping them with the technical and professional skills needed to excel in roles such as data engineering or data analysis with top-tier clients. Our 3-4 month training programme focuses on developing "Graduate+" team members who are ready to make meaningful contributions from day one. As a Graduate+, you will not only master technical skills, but also learn essential teamwork and professional development strategies to drive business growth.
Upon completing the training, we will match you with a client for a minimum two-year placement. As our employee embedded within the client's team, you will receive ongoing support through additional training, regular one-to-one sessions, and valuable networking opportunities within the industry.
If you excel during this time, there is potential for the client to offer you a permanent position. Regardless of your choice, we are committed to guiding you in exploring your future career path, and you will become part of our alumni network, providing avenues for ongoing connections and new opportunities.
Months 1 to 3-4 (world class training)
We firmly believe that anyone can forge a successful career in data and technology if they have a passion for problem-solving. Our programme demands dedicated attendance every day, wholehearted commitment to the work, and support for your colleagues over the 3-4 month period. The training is free, remote and unpaid, and prior to commencing the programme, you will need to commit to working for Sigma Labs for 2 years should we find you a role.
Professional high performance: Our training encompasses modules in logical problem-solving, teamwork, and professional excellence. We have drawn upon the finest graduate programmes worldwide, such as those offered by Bain, McKinsey, and BCG. While this professional training may seem less crucial for a technical programme, we believe that your ability to operate effectively in a professional team will determine your long-term success. We view this training as vital as the technical aspects.
Technical excellence: The technical training is an intensive, full-time period from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, covering software fundamentals and data engineering. You will learn to write complex code using Python and SQL, create APIs, work with structured and unstructured data, and deploy applications to the cloud. The training will adapt to meet changing skill demands, with the aim of over-qualifying you and maximising our chances of finding a client for you.
Upon completion, you will be equipped for various roles, including Data Engineering and Analysis.
Months 4+ to 28 (a role in tech)
After your training, you will enter a Transition Period of 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, we will arrange interviews with our clients and aim for you to become an integral part of their team for 2 years. You will feel like one of the client's employees in your day-to-day work, with our support in the background. Our entire model is designed to find you work with our clients, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help you become a high-performance professional. While we can't guarantee the specific role, you will have the opportunity to excel.
Throughout the transition period, you will also work on personal projects and continue learning to solidify your knowledge and better prepare you for your first tech role. Our team will continue to be available to support you.
When you start working with one of our clients, your salary with Sigma Labs will be £30,000. We will continue to develop you throughout this period with ongoing technical, pastoral, and professional support via our team though we will not be working on the client's projects ourselves.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have the skills and practical experience to be in a mid-level technical role after 2 years and ultimately excel in a much longer career. We want to equip you with the knowledge and belief to achieve this.
Months 28+ (a network to drive continued success)
After two years at Sigma Labs, you have several exciting opportunities ahead:
- Transition to the client company or secure a mid-level technical position with another leading organisation, potentially earning >£45,000.
- Join our vibrant alumni network, offering regular events and direct access to a global pool of senior managers from prestigious organisations, dedicated to supporting your long-term success.
- Embrace the chance to guide and mentor new trainees and consultants, contributing to the growth and development of the Sigma Labs community.
If you’re unsure, email us to ask us anything: about the training, the job, the company, your career. Career decisions are significant events so while we want you to do your research we also want to give you the chance to get to know us first.
Great communication skills
Clear, concise and engaging communication makes everything easier whether through writing, interviewing or collaboration
An ability to solve problems
Coding is a problem-solving tool, but what really matters is your approach, e.g. logical, breaking things down, considering a range of factors and not just what is in front of you.
A Coachable character
You want to learn and develop and understand that failing is part of the process and are open to talking about it
A Conscientious mindset
You set goals that others appreciate and will work hard to achieve them to the best of your ability
A Proactive personality
You don't wait to be told what to do but look for opportunities to improve and persist until you make the most of them.
We limit who can apply to join us to align with our mission. The following criteria must be met, though please note that we do not accept applications from anyone who attended a private school between the ages of 11 and 16 (UK or abroad). We also do not sponsor visas.
Economic
At least one of the following applies to those who went to school in the UK:
- Attended a non-academically selective state school between the ages of 11 and 16.
- Received free school meals
- Grew up in a household with a total annual income less than £43,000.
- Received local authority care.
- Received university benefits.
Applicants who were educated outside of the UK will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Education
Even if you meet our economic eligibility, we do not accept applications from anyone who attended private school in the UK or abroad.
You must have graduated before starting your chosen cohort and:
- Were awarded, or are predicted, a 2:2 or higher for your first bachelor's degree in the UK in any subject since 2021, or
- If you graduated with a 3rd then you achieved at least an A in one STEM subject at A-Level.
Right to work in the UK
You must have the right to work in the UK for at least 3 years after starting. Typically this means that the following applies:
- UK Passport holder
- EEA/EU Settled Status
- Indefinite Leave to Remain
Currently we cannot sponsor visas. Please get in touch if you think you may be eligible in a different way to what has been shown above.
Application: Background, Eligibility and Motivation
Tell us about yourself, the coding that you have (or have not) done and why you want to work in technology.
Stage 1: Understanding your Skill and Potential
There are two parts:
(a) an online gamified or task-based assessment focused primarily on your problem solving ability - no maths or coding required!
(b) If you show an approach we think aligns well with coding, we will ask you to answer a few additional questions to see what makes you tick.
Stage 2: 30 minute Video Interview
Meet with one of our team members, get to know us and use the opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role and that you think and communicate well enough to add value as part of a team.
Stage 3: Technical Interview
Between applying and Stage 3 we will encourage you to learn how to code in Python as that is what will be used in the assessment. This is not about showing how great a coder you are (our training doesn't benefit great coders). We want to see how you solve problems using code as a tool and therefore you need to understand how the "tool" works.
Offer and Training begins
We will send you an offer letter and hope you accept. The training will be predominantly online but we will invite you to our London office at times (we will cover expenses) as face-to-face interactions are difficult to beat.
If the above has not answered your questions, please drop us an email here.
Our consultants come from a wide range of backgrounds and have different career aspirations and reasons for wanting to work in technology. We aim to provide the best start that sets them on the right trajectory towards a fulfilling career - here are some of their thoughts.
The application form is below. Please follow the instructions closely and review your answers before submitting to ensure all of the details are correct. We always recommend checking What we are looking for and Eligibility before getting started to give you the best chance of progressing.
If you are new to technology and want to know if you would enjoy it, try a little coding. If you never try it then you wont know if it is for you!
We have created a FAQs page with answers to candidates' most common question. If you have any further questions then please drop us an email and ask us anything. Remember, you don't need coding experience before applying.
We aim to fill each cohort approximately 1 month before the start date, but it could be earlier as we operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
If you graduate in 2025 and are interested in joining next summer, use the link below to register your interest. We will email you in early 2025 to let you know when applications are open.
Key Points of our Offer:
- You must have graduated before you start training.
- 3-4 months of full-time (9am to 6pm), high quality and supportive training in data followed by 2 years working as part of a client team. See our Glassdoor reviews for insight into what it is like.
- Training is online (i.e. no need to commute or relocate) with daily workshops, coding challenges and weekly coursework and projects. Support is provided through regular 1 to 1s, trainee support groups and a great coach to trainee ratio that allows for quick responses to questions.
- Following a 4-8 week transition period we aim to place you as a consultant with one of our clients as part of their team for 2 years. We support through regular 1 to 1s to discuss the latest feedback and performance, high performance mindset training, continued technical support and access to the greater Sigma Labs network.
- After starting with a client the 1st year salary is £30,000 p.a. and the 2nd year salary is £38,000 p.a.
