The Data User (Level 3) apprenticeship helps employees build practical data skills — from analysis and visualisation to communicating insights — without needing a technical background.
For employers, it’s a fast, effective way to improve data capability across teams like HR, finance and customer operations.
Why it works:
- Builds data confidence across non-technical roles
- Improves decision-making and reporting
- Boosts employee engagement and retention
- Supports internal mobility and career progression
- Delivers measurable ROI through productivity gains
What is the Data User apprenticeship?
The Data User (Level 3) apprenticeship is designed to help employees develop core data skills they can apply in their day-to-day roles. It focuses on practical capabilities like analysing data, creating visualisations and communicating insights clearly.
Unlike more technical programmes, it’s accessible to a wide range of roles across the business.
Typical skills developed:
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Data visualisation (including tools like Excel and Power BI)
- Data modelling fundamentals
- Communicating insights to stakeholders
Who is the Data User apprenticeship for?
This apprenticeship is designed for employees across multiple departments — not just technical teams.
Common roles include:
- HR teams – analysing workforce data and trends
- Finance teams – reporting, forecasting and performance tracking
- Customer proposition teams – understanding customer behaviour
- Operations teams – improving processes through data insights
- Marketing teams – tracking campaign performance
It’s also suitable for:
- New hires
- Career changers
- Existing employees looking to upskill
How does the Data User apprenticeship work in practice?
Organisations like Lloyds Banking Group have embedded apprenticeships into their talent strategy for over a decade. The programme is used to build capability across departments while supporting long-term business goals.
As Sharon Morgan explains, apprenticeships are “a key stream for bringing in talent and developing colleagues.”
By building data confidence across teams, organisations can improve decision-making, increase engagement and better align skills with business needs.
How is the apprenticeship structured?
The Data User apprenticeship is designed to deliver practical impact while fitting around day-to-day work.
- Duration: Approximately 18 months, including end-point assessment
- Core topics: Data analysis, visualisation and modelling
- Tools covered: Excel, Power BI and presentation techniques
- Certifications: Microsoft Excel Specialist Associate (with optional expert level)
Apprentices also develop broader skills such as organisation, confidence and innovative thinking — often referred to as the “apprenticeship advantage”.
How do employers enrol on the Data User apprenticeship?
Kaplan supports employers at every stage of the process, making it straightforward to get started.
Step-by-step:
- Identify suitable roles
Pinpoint teams where data skills could improve performance (e.g. HR, finance, operations) - Nominate candidates
Employees can self-nominate or be recommended by managers - Eligibility check
Kaplan helps confirm eligibility and suitability for the programme - Information sessions
Sessions for both learners and managers to set expectations - Onboarding and enrolment
Structured onboarding ensures a smooth start - Ongoing support
Kaplan supports both learners and line managers throughout
This structured approach ensures strong engagement and successful outcomes.
How does the Data User apprenticeship deliver ROI?
Employers often see measurable benefits from investing in data apprenticeships.
Key outcomes include:
- Lower turnover
Increased engagement leads to improved retention - Reduced recruitment costs
Upskilling existing employees fills skills gaps internally - Improved innovation
Employees challenge processes and drive improvements - Stronger diversity and inclusion
Apprenticeships broaden access to development opportunities
As Sharon Morgan explains: “If we can grow and develop our skills in our current colleagues… that means we’ve got people in the right space so recruitment costs are mitigated.”
Real example: Sally Lane
Role: Long-standing employee at Lloyds Banking Group
Tenure: 20+ years
Challenge: Wanted to develop new skills and move into data-focused work later in her career
Intervention: Completed the Data User apprenticeship with support from Kaplan and Lloyds
Outcomes:
- Successfully completed the programme
- Transitioned into a more data-focused skillset
- Now mentors other apprentices
- Actively promotes apprenticeship opportunities internally
“They want to earn a salary and grow and develop their career… that’s fantastic.”
Sally’s story highlights how apprenticeships can support both early-career talent and experienced employees looking to reskill.
Data User vs Data Analyst vs short courses: what’s the difference?
Understanding where the Data User apprenticeship fits can help employers choose the right option.
| Programme | Best for | Focus | Outcome |
|---|
| Data User (Level 3) | Non-technical roles | Core data skills | Confident data users across teams |
| Data Analyst (Level 4) | Specialist roles | Advanced analysis | Dedicated data professionals |
| Short courses | Quick upskilling | Specific tools | Limited, targeted knowledge |
In short:
- Level 3 = broad capability
- Level 4 = specialist skills
- Short courses = quick wins
Watch: how Lloyds Banking Group uses Data User apprenticeships
This webinar explores how Lloyds Banking Group uses the Data User apprenticeship to build data capability across teams, improve engagement and drive business impact.
Hear directly from Kaplan and Lloyds experts on how the programme works in practice and the results it delivers.
What advice do employers give about apprenticeships?
Lloyds Banking Group has achieved a 57% distinction rate and strongly advocates embedding apprenticeships into wider talent strategies.
Sharon Morgan advises:
“It’s about seeing apprenticeships as part of your talent strategy… a real driver for building up your recruitment and internal development.”
There is also a growing shift in perception, with apprenticeships now seen as a valuable alternative to traditional routes — appealing to both internal employees and new talent.
Build data confidence across your organisation
The Data User apprenticeship is a practical, scalable way to develop data skills across your workforce.
Explore the Data User (Level 3) apprenticeship
FAQs
Who is eligible for a Data User apprenticeship?
Typically, employees in non-technical roles who work with data in some capacity are suitable. Eligibility will depend on individual circumstances, which Kaplan can help assess.
How long does the apprenticeship take?
The programme typically lasts around 18 months, including the end-point assessment.
Is the apprenticeship delivered remotely?
Yes, learning is designed to be flexible and can be completed alongside work, often through online or blended delivery.
What are the career benefits for employees?
Employees gain practical data skills, increased confidence and opportunities for progression into more data-focused roles.
What support do employers receive?
Kaplan provides end-to-end support, including onboarding, training delivery and ongoing guidance for both learners and managers.