Data User

Level 3 apprenticeship

Equip your teams with the skills to unlock and communicate the data and technology at your disposal. This apprenticeship focuses on developing everyday data literacy in teams across any department or sector.

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Overview

The Data User Level 3 apprenticeship is designed to help your employees become more data literate, understand insights, and use data to drive transformation and gain a competitive edge. It focuses on developing technical skills using various core technologies and platforms, alongside the ability to source, analyse, work with data, and generate insights that underpin business decisions.

Average duration

Up to 18 months, including assessment period

Ofsted rating

Good | View report

Key skills

This apprenticeship provides your employees with fundamental capabilities crucial for navigating and leveraging data effectively within your organisation, allowing them to understand insights, foster transformation, and gain a competitive edge.

Data handling and processing

Data analysis

Data visualisation

Data literacy and application

Software proficiency

Timetables

View our timetables for scheduled sessions to see when the next one is running.

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Who it's for

This apprenticeship is designed to be suitable for various roles across almost all departments. It is ideal for:

New starters interested in utilising data to inform business decisions
Existing employees wanting to enhance their data literacy skills to perform their roles more effectively
Teams in department or sector - from IT and finance to HR and operations

How your organisation benefits

The programme helps your employees become more data literate, enabling them to understand insights and make better, data-driven decisions.

At the end of the apprenticeship, your apprentice will be able to:

Collect, validate, and manage data from a range of sources
Analyse data to identify trends, patterns, and business insights
Present data clearly using reports, dashboards, and visualisations
Apply data analysis techniques to support informed business decisions
Use appropriate digital tools to manipulate and interpret data
Communicate findings and recommendations to a range of stakeholders
Maintain data quality, security, and compliance with relevant legislation
Contribute to continuous improvement by using data to solve business problems

Eligibility

Anyone can complete this apprenticeship, regardless of age or previous qualifications. Kaplan will confirm that the role is suitable as part of the application process.

To do this apprenticeship employers may specify that candidates must have at least a grade 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in maths and English. If apprentices don't have this level of maths and English, Kaplan offers free resources and support to make sure they develop their understanding and application of the subjects by the end of their apprenticeship.

Applicants must:

Be employed in England.
Work in a relevant job role.
Learn new knowledge and skills through the programme.

Typically, apprentices will have one of the following:

A GCSE or another Level 2 qualification.
12 months' work experience within the last 24 months if they don't already hold a Level 3 qualification.

Functional skills

Employers may also require apprentices to have a grade 4/C (or equivalent) in GCSE maths and English. If an apprentice doesn't already have these qualifications, Kaplan provides free resources and support to help them achieve the required standard by the end of the apprenticeship.

Learner milestones

This overview outlines the key technical modules and project milestones based on the Data User programme, excluding the supplementary on-demand skills elements.

Months 1-3

Data Analysis Fundamentals

The programme establishes fundamental data skills with a focus on Microsoft Excel, culminating in the completion of the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate module.

Key skills:

Fundamentals of creating and managing worksheets and workbooks.
Creating cells and ranges.
Creating tables.
Applying formulas and functions.
Creating charts and objects.

Months 3-6

Data Literacy and Generative AI Introduction

This period focuses on how data is utilised within organisations and introduces the concepts and applications of Generative AI in data-driven roles.

Generative AI course

Keep your teams at the forefront of technological advancement. Explore how AI can drive creativity and efficiency across business functions. View course

Key skills:

Understanding how data is used in an organisation.
Learning to work in a data-driven culture.
Making data-driven decisions.
Understanding Generative AI and its use cases for a data-driven role.

Months 6-9

Data Analysis and Visualisation with Excel

Enhancing skills in data analysis and visualisation using Excel, and reinforcing the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate certification.

Key skills:

Performing data analysis fundamentals.
Analysing data with pivot tables.
Transforming and reporting data.
Data visualisation using Excel.
Identifying data trends and using this to inform decision-making.

Months 9-12

Databases and Data Modelling

This stage focuses on equipping apprentices with skills in querying data from various database sources.

Key skills:

Querying data from databases.
Getting data from various sources.

Months 12-15

Data Challenge and EPA Readiness

The final phase aims to build confidence across the entire data lifecycle and demonstrate overall competence as a Data Professional through work-based projects, preparing for the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Key skills:

Confidence across the Data Lifecycle, including working with various levels of data sources.
Holistic competency demonstration as a Data Professional.
Consolidating skills and knowledge for EPA, including portfolio submission.

At a glance

Data User

Level 3 apprenticeship

Funding options

Levy payer

Fully-funded

Non levy payer

95% government funded

Next steps

Looking to train future digital talent? Book a consultation with our expert Kaplan team.

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Unrivalled support

Our apprenticeships are uniquely designed to offer unparalleled support for both employers and learners. We provide expert-led, practical training and simulations that build transferable digital skills and instill a growth mindset - essential for effectively leveraging technology.

Support for employers

Clients benefit from comprehensive support to foster trust and collaboration, ensuring a successful apprenticeship experience.

Dedicated supportNamed client solutions contact and sector expert tutors ensure personalised guidance and relevant training throughout the apprenticeship journey.
Seamless onboardingTransparent application process, recruitment assistance for new vacancies, and clear visibility for line managers via learner portfolio dashboards.
Work-integrated learningApprentices apply skills directly to your organisation, supported by timely, accurate tracking and real-world experience.

Support for apprentices

Apprentices receive robust support, ensuring they have access to the information and resources needed to succeed in their roles.

Comprehensive supportRegular 1:1s with an industry-experienced Talent Coach, tutor access via email, and year-round Student Services support ensures consistent guidance.
Collaborative progress trackingApprenticeship ePortfolio allows for real-time tracking, evidence uploads, communication with coaches, and peer-to-peer learning within a small industry cohort.
Practical and applied learningInteractive lab environments and work-based projects enable apprentices to contextualise and apply skills directly in the workplace.

Why choose Kaplan?

Work-based learning

This programme offers a structured learning path that directly applies skills to the role and optimises off-the-job training time.

High-Demand technologies

Apprentices will learn essential skills using technologies and programming languages such as Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI.

Immersive, hands-on learning

Small, interactive classes support personalised learning, with simulated labs to build and test practical data analysis skills.

Confident, capable employees

100% of Data User apprentices report increased confidence applying their skills in the workplace*.

* Data taken from Q1 2025 post-apprenticeship and career progression report.

Hear from our apprentices

My talent coach’s dedication to my growth and development has been invaluable, and I’m fortunate to have her on this journey.

Chloe Auger

Level 3 ICT apprentice at C.I.KNOW

View case study

An apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity if you want to change fields or progress to a different area in your career.

Monika Wojdasova

Level 3 Data User apprentice at Harris Federation

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Co-created with leaders in their field

Our commitment to excellence is evident in our strategic alliances with best-in-class key partners, bringing decades of leadership and specialist knowledge to every programme. This expertise underpins our rich content and immersive learning labs, driving tangible results.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Data User Apprenticeship take?

The Data User apprenticeship takes up to 15 months, with an additional three-month assessment period.

What is the Data User Level 3 Apprenticeship?

This programme is designed to equip employees across any department with essential data skills to use, interpret, and communicate data effectively. It focuses on developing everyday data literacy to drive business decisions and gain a competitive advantage.

What are the entry requirements for the Data User Apprenticeship?

Candidates generally need two A Levels, a Level 3 qualification, or 12 months of relevant work experience. A Grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English is also typically required.

What skills will I learn during the apprenticeship?

Key skills include data handling, analysis using Excel (including PivotTables and charts), data visualisation, and querying databases. Apprentices also learn about data literacy culture and the use of Generative AI in data roles.

What roles is this apprenticeship suitable for?

It is suitable for a wide range of roles across departments such as IT, finance, HR, and operations. It is ideal for both new starters and existing employees wanting to enhance their data literacy.

How is the apprenticeship funded?

Funding is available through the apprenticeship levy for eligible employers, or via 95% government funding for non-levy payers.

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