Digital Product Manager

Level 4 apprenticeship

This apprenticeship equips your team with the skills and insights needed to navigate the complexities of digital product management in today's fast-evolving tech environment.

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Overview

Beyond just technical prowess, the programme emphasises the development of critical soft skills, such as effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, problem-solving in dynamic environments, and fostering a user-centric mindset.

Average duration

Up to 18 months, plus 4 month assessment period

Ofsted rating

Good | View report

Key skills

This programme equips apprentices with a balanced mix of strategic, technical, operational, and interpersonal skills, preparing them to lead complex digital products in dynamic environments. The inclusion of AI and ethics positions graduates to tackle both current industry challenges and anticipate future shifts.

Product discovery

User-centered design

Technical literacy

Collaboration

Digital product strategy

Roadmapping

Who it's for

This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals in any industry or sector. It is ideal for:

New starters who will be responsible for managing digital products
Existing employees transitioning into Product Management roles

How your organisation benefits

Empowers employees to manage the full digital product lifecycle, aligning development with user needs and business strategy.

Enables employees to lead discovery, design, and delivery toward strategic goals
Boosts collaboration and delivery speed through improved Agile practices
Drives data-informed decision-making by utilising performance metrics
Future-proofs digital capability by developing skills in product strategy
Applies learning and measurable impact to your organisation

Eligibility

Regardless of age or prior attainment, anyone can do an apprenticeship provided they’re learning new skills and are employed in England, in a relevant role. Kaplan will support you to assess the job role suitability as part of your application.

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.

Apprentices typically have one of the following:

2 A Levels or International Baccalaureate or any other Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC Extended Diploma
A Level 3 Apprenticeship
12 months of work experience in the last 24 months if they do not have any other Level 3 qualifications

Learner milestones

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

Months 1-3

Introduction to Digital Product Management

Establishes a foundational understanding of the core responsibilities and lifecycle of a Digital Product Manager, emphasising cross-functional collaboration, market and customer research, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.

Key skills:

Role Clarity.
Product Lifecycle.
Cross-Functional Collaboration.
Market and Customer Research.
Strategic Thinking.
Communication Skills.

Months 3-6

Strategy, Vision, and Generative AI Integration

Develop skills in crafting a clear and compelling product vision, aligning strategy with business goals, market positioning, and creating strategic product roadmaps. Introduction to the applications and integration of Generative AI in digital product management.

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:

Vision Crafting.
Strategic Alignment.
Market Positioning.
Product Roadmapping.
Stakeholder Management.
Business Model Development.
Generative AI Applications.
AI Integration.

Months 6-9

User-Centred Design, Prototyping, Product Analytics, and Data-Driven Decision-Making

Understanding user needs through empathy, employing design thinking methodologies, and mastering prototyping techniques for testing and iterating product concepts.

Key skills:

Empathy Building and Design Thinking.
Prototyping Techniques and User Testing.
Iterative and KPI Development.
Accessibility and Inclusivity.
Data Literacy and Analytical Tools Proficiency.
Data Interpretation and Actionable Insights Generation.
Experimentation and Testing.

Months 9-12

Agile Product Development, Digital Ethics, Security, and Compliance

Master Agile principles, including Scrum and Kanban, learning sprint planning, backlog management, and cross-functional teamwork with a focus on continuous improvement.

Key skills:

Agile Methodologies Mastery and Risk Management.
Sprint Planning and Execution.
Backlog Management and Cross-Functional Teamwork.
Continuous Improvement Focus.
Adaptive Planning and Ethical Frameworks.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Compliance Adherence.
Privacy by Design and Inclusive Product Design.

Months 12-15

BCS Practitioner Certificate in Digital Product Management

Gain a comprehensive understanding of digital product management principles, including the application of strategic frameworks like Porter's Five Forces and PESTLE analysis. Apprentices gain mastery in creating and maintaining product roadmaps, proficiency in prioritisation techniques, resource alignment, and exploration of various marketing techniques and user acquisition models, preparing them for the BCS certification exam.

Key skills:

Comprehensive Knowledge Base.
Strategic Application.
Product Roadmapping.
Development Techniques.
Marketing Methodologies.
Certification Readiness.

At a glance

Digital Product Manager

Level 4 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?

Professional qualifications built in

Apprentices can gain the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Digital Product Management, a recognised industry-standard qualification.

Work-based learning

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

Immersive, hands-on learning

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

Unrivalled support

Kaplan offers a truly holistic support system from industry specialists, encompassing learning, development and a growth mindset.

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.