Getting a start as a junior DBA is very difficult as there are very few positions out there to start with and most Juniors will come from a development or support background with some relevant experience.

However, since I started with the company I am at now I have pushed to introduce a graduate scheme in the DBA team. In todays economy there are so few opportunities for wet behind the ears young people and its the responsibility of the industry to shape these yound minds and give them opportunities. We now have two grads working with us and providing we continue to grow more will follow.

1 has completed there first year with us and now has full production access the other started 2 weeks ago.

We provide on site training for the junior DBA's and they recieve on average 20 hours training per week from other senior team members. In addtion to this, part of there goals for the year is to sit and pass SQL 2012 Microsoft SQL exams. This currently consists of the 70-461 and 70-462 exams, with a view to further training to allow them the chance to sit the 70-463 exam and gain SQL 2012 MCSA accreditation. All materials and exams are funded by the company.

Whilst passing the exams does not necessarily make them a good DBA, it provides structured areas of study and gives them a basic knowledge to build upon.