
What is an Apprenticeship?
Ettie Bashford, Senior Health Officer
Your Apprenticeship, Your Future: What's in it for you?
An apprenticeship is a direct launchpad for your career, offering a unique blend of learning and earning. You'll gain valuable real-world skills by working on live business projects from day one. By the end of your programme, you'll have a nationally recognised qualification and a strong foundation for career progression. You’re be part of a community of peers and supported by a coach and mentor, with regular 1-2-1’s, meaning you’re never on your own.
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships are undertaken alongside your job
Real World Skills
Our programmes ensure you learn the most relevant in demand skills in data & AI
Gain a Qualification
You'll complete you're apprenticeship with a nationally recognised qualification
Career Progression
Apprenticeships are a direct pipeline to senior roles
Eligibility
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must meet the below criteria, as set by the governments funding requirements:
- Employed in a relevant role in England with a contract in place for the duration of the programme.
- No significant prior experience in the programme you are looking to enrol on.
- Employed in England and resident in the UK or EEA for the last 3 years.
- Option to opt in / out of Functional Skills (for 19+ years of age), depending on prior attainment of Level 2 / GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at grade C or above.
- Can commit to the minimum planned weekly hours off the job learning - required for the duration of the programme.
How an Apprenticeship Works
Your apprenticeship is a partnership between you, your employer, and Cambridge Spark. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Skills Assessment: We start with an initial assessment to understand your current skills and career goals, helping to place you on the right programme.
- Blended Learning: Your training combines live, interactive workshops, self-study, and hands-on project work. The time commitment can vary per programme, but usually requires a set amount per week of protected learning time.
- Dedicated Support: You'll have a team behind you, including expert trainers, data mentors, and a personal success coach.
- Work-Based Projects: You'll apply what you learn to real projects within your role, building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your impact.
- Final Assessment: At the end of your programme, you'll complete an assessment to earn your official qualification.
"I'm working on a project that requires me to use complex data sets using SQL. Not only am I learning something new, I can immediately apply what I'm learning to my day-to-day work back at the office. My tasks have been simplified, significantly with the new skills and knowledge I'm learning on my course."
Abby Echave; Senior Business Intelligence Analyst, NHS
What Can You Learn?
We offer a range of apprenticeships designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in AI and data. Each programme is a stepping stone to a rewarding career.
Apprenticeship |
Level |
Duration |
3 |
13 months |
|
4 |
14 months |
|
5 |
12 months |
|
6 |
15 months |
|
7 |
15 months |
|
3 |
13 months |
|
4 |
14 months |
|
5 |
15 months |
|
4 |
15 months |
How to Apply
Your apprenticeship is a partnership between you, your employer, and Cambridge Spark. Here’s a quick overview of what to do to apply:
Step 1
Find the Right Programme
Begin by exploring what an apprenticeship involves, the programmes available, and how they align with your career goals. This stage is about recognising the benefits of combining work with structured learning to gain a recognised qualification.
Step 2
Check Eligibility & Employer Support
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, such as age, contracted hours, and working mainly in England. At the same time, discuss the opportunity with your line manager and employer. Their support and sign-off are essential, as they will help shape your projects and provide ongoing guidance.
Step 3
Apply & Get Selected
Complete the provider’s application process, which usually involves a skills scan, a personal statement, and an interview. This ensures the apprenticeship is suited to your role and sets clear expectations for what you will achieve.Step 4
Onboard & Get Started
Once accepted, you’ll join an induction to learn how the programme works, what modules you’ll cover, and how off-the-job learning is managed. You’ll also meet your mentors and coaches who will support you throughout.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Find out what apprenticeship is best for you and contact our team.
Learn More About Apprenticeships
See how others have benefitted.

Case study
Case Study: Electrophysiology Co-Ordinator Cuts NHS Referral Delay by Up to 75%

Case study
BEAM Academy Leads Data Transformation in the Retail Sector

Case study
Data Analyst Identifies Sales Growth Opportunities

Case study
Exertis Unlocks £100s of Millions in Working Capital