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Data build tool (dbt) Fundamentals for Data Transformation

Data build tool (dbt) Fundamentals for Data Transformation

A practical two day course for participants who are new to dbt and want to understand the foundations of SQL based data transformation. The agenda introduces the dbt workflow, project structure, models, sources, dependencies, testing, documentation, and basic development practices. The course focuses on building a clear understanding of how dbt organizes transformation logic and supports more structured and maintainable analytics workflows.

What will you learn?

You will learn how dbt is used to transform data with SQL and organize transformation logic into clear, reusable models. You will understand how projects, sources, dependencies, tests, and documentation work together in a basic dbt workflow. You will also learn the core commands and development habits needed to create, run, validate, and maintain a simple dbt project.

  • Understand the role of dbt in a modern data transformation workflow
  • Create and organize basic SQL models and dependencies
  • Define sources and apply simple tests to improve data reliability
  • Run, document, and review a basic dbt project with confidence

Requirements:

  • Suitable for participants who are new to dbt
  • Basic SQL knowledge is recommended
  • General familiarity with databases, tables, and data transformation concepts is helpful
  • No previous dbt experience required

Course Outline*:

*We customize the course outline and content to your specific needs and relevant use cases.

Module 1: Introduction to dbt and the transformation workflow

  • Understanding what dbt is and where it fits into a modern data workflow
  • Distinguishing data loading from transformation with dbt
  • Understanding the basic development cycle from source data to transformed models
  • Reviewing the main components of a simple dbt project

Module 2: Setting up and navigating a dbt project

  • Understanding project files, folders, configuration, and model directories
  • Connecting the dbt project to a supported data platform
  • Navigating basic project configuration and development settings
  • Using core commands to check the setup and work with the project

Module 3: Creating your first dbt models

  • Creating SQL models from existing warehouse tables
  • Understanding how dbt turns model files into database objects
  • Organizing models into simple and understandable layers
  • Running individual models and reviewing the resulting data

Module 4: Dependencies, ref(), and basic materializations

  • Connecting models with the ref() function instead of hard coded table references
  • Understanding how model dependencies create a transformation graph
  • Introducing table, view, and incremental materialization concepts at a basic level
  • Choosing simple materialization approaches for common use cases

Module 5: Working with data sources

  • Defining source tables in a dbt project
  • Referencing source data consistently with source()
  • Understanding the difference between source data and transformed models
  • Organizing source definitions so the project remains understandable

Module 6: Basic testing and data quality checks

  • Understanding the purpose of data tests in dbt
  • Applying common tests such as not null, unique, accepted values, and relationships
  • Running tests and interpreting basic test results
  • Using testing to identify simple data quality and modeling problems

Module 7: Documentation and project understanding

  • Adding descriptions to models, sources, and important fields
  • Keeping documentation close to transformation logic
  • Generating and reviewing dbt project documentation
  • Using lineage and documentation to understand relationships between models

Module 8: Basic dbt development workflow

  • Using common commands such as dbt run, dbt test, and dbt build
  • Making changes and validating models in a structured sequence
  • Understanding basic project organization and naming conventions
  • Building a practical checklist for future dbt development work

Hands-on learning with expert instructors at your location for organizations.

3,072€*
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Level:
beginner
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Duration:
14
Hours (days:
2
)
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Training customized to your needs
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Immersive hands-on experience in a dedicated setting
*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Master new skills guided by experienced instructors from anywhere.

22,037€*
Graph Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Level:
beginner
Clock Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Duration:
14
Hours (days:
2
)
Camera Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Training customized to your needs
Star Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Reduced training costs
*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Upcoming Sessions

3-4 Dec 2026
Amsterdam
16-17 Dec 2026
Brussels
5-6 Jan 2027
Madrid
19-20 Jan 2027
Brussels
2-3 Feb 2027
Dublin
16-17 Feb 2027
Milan

Can't find a suitable date? Get in touch and we'll arrange one that works for you.

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