Doing apprenticeship before job hunting

[Jobsjobsjobs54]

I've been offered a data analyst apprenticeship through work. I'm currently on 35 ish K a year. I'm not an analyst but do use data a lot. I'm weighing up whether it would even be worth doing the apprenticeship. I've been an analyst in the past but self taught. I love data. Is having an apprenticeship likely to help me get a higher paying apprenticeship job? Or would I be better off applying for jobs and working my way up? Do analyst jobs even tend to offer more than 35k? I'm struggling financially and would feel better if I had some kind of plan! The apprenticeship is 18 months.

Is the apprenticeship offering 35K a year, as I was under the impression aprenticeships are a lot less (as in peanuts)? Or is the aprenticeship alongside your current role? How are you going to be covering your bills/outgoings during the 18 months of the aprenticeship if you're already struggling on 35K (assuming it's lower paid)? Surely if you've done data analysis in the past and work in semi related field going to entry level jobs would be better (and better paid) for you?

What level apprenticeship is it?

I'm being paid 35k a year and work are paying for me to do the apprenticeship. My wage isn't changing.

Level 4

I think in that case (and assuming the subject interests you) I'd go for it, nothing to lose surely, worse case scenario you've learned some additional skills and are no worse off financially.

I'm doing a level 7 apprenticeship (different field). I get paid my normal working wage to get a masters and formal qualifications, with all study time taken out of my working hours. It's a win win win from my POV.

(To PP about apprenticeships paying peanuts- professional level ones are different from the ones you're thinking of)

If you've been offered a formal training scheme, take it; will set you up for a better position at your organisation or applying for a new role.
I can't envisage a job role offering formal training with that entry level salary.

Look at some job boards - only you can judge the salaries on offer for comparable jobs in your sector, locality and level of seniority - not much can be determined from your job title alone.