The Level 6 Digital and technology solutions professional, and the 35 providers delivering it.
Maintaining digital and technology strategies through technology leadership.
About this apprenticeship
What this apprenticeship covers
This degree-level apprenticeship develops professionals who can design, build, and manage digital and technology solutions across an organisation. Apprentices gain skills in software engineering, data analysis, cyber security, IT consultancy, or network infrastructure, depending on the specialism chosen. They learn to align technology decisions with business strategy, lead technical teams, and manage complex projects. The programme combines academic study at degree level with practical workplace experience, covering architecture, systems integration, and technology governance.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Depending on the chosen specialism, an apprentice might be writing and reviewing code, analysing data sets to support business decisions, assessing security risks, or advising internal stakeholders on technology options. They will typically attend project meetings, produce technical documentation, and work alongside senior engineers, architects, or consultants. As the apprenticeship progresses, they take on greater responsibility for delivering solutions and may begin leading small project workstreams or mentoring junior colleagues.
Career outlook
Completing this apprenticeship typically leads to roles such as software engineer, data analyst, cyber security analyst, IT consultant, or network engineer, depending on the specialism taken. With experience, progression moves towards senior engineer, solutions architect, technology manager, or consultant positions. Employers span most sectors, including financial services, healthcare, retail, central government, and technology firms. Because the programme sits at degree level and covers leadership alongside technical skills, completers are well positioned for roles that carry both technical and organisational responsibility.
35 approved providers
Sorted by achievement rate.
New College Durham is a further and higher education college that offers a broad apprenticeship and ...
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a large UK university offering a comprehensive portfolio of hig...
The University of Chichester is a registered provider of higher and degree apprenticeships, enabling...
Skillnet is a UK-based apprenticeship and training provider specialising in the automotive and relat...
QA is a technology and digital skills training provider offering a wide portfolio of apprenticeships...
Leeds Beckett University is a public university in Leeds that delivers a portfolio of degree apprent...
Gloucestershire College is an education provider with campuses in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the For...
At Southampton Solent University, our dedicated Apprenticeships Team is committed to delivering high...
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) delivers a growing portfolio of degree apprenticeships that ...
The University of Greenwich is a London and Medway-based university that delivers higher and degree ...
Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) offers a wide range of technical and professional education o...
Multiverse is an upskilling platform focused on AI, data and technology skills, working with employe...
The University of Winchester delivers a growing portfolio of higher and degree apprenticeships that ...
The University of Strathclyde is an international technological university that delivers a broad por...
Career outcomes
Roles after completion
Completers typically step into mid-level technical or technical-leadership roles, depending on the specialism taken during the programme. Common entry points include Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Engineer, and Business Analyst. Most employers treat completion as confirmation that the individual is ready to operate independently, so graduate-scheme-style hand-holding is rarely expected at this stage.
Progression paths
Within three to five years, most people move into senior versions of their completion role: Senior Software Engineer, Senior Data Analyst, Lead Business Analyst, or Security Operations Lead. From there, two tracks open up. The leadership track runs toward Head of Technology, IT Manager, or Chief Technology Officer in smaller organisations. The specialist track runs toward Principal Engineer, Solutions Architect, or Data Science Lead, where depth of expertise matters more than people management.
Where these roles sit
This standard is used across a wide range of sectors. Financial services firms, NHS trusts, central and local government, defence contractors, retail groups, and logistics businesses all hire at this level. Employers range from large enterprises with dedicated technology departments to mid-sized organisations where the apprentice may be one of a small number of technical staff. Both public and private sector organisations sponsor this apprenticeship regularly.
How it's assessed
How the apprenticeship is assessed
Learning takes place in the workplace, with the apprentice applying knowledge, skills and behaviours to real digital and technology challenges throughout the programme. Before final assessment can begin, both the employer and training provider must confirm that the apprentice has reached the required level of competence, a checkpoint commonly called the gateway. Final assessment then confirms whether the apprentice can perform at the level expected of a qualified digital and technology solutions professional. Assessment models for degree-level apprenticeships are subject to ongoing updates, so check the standard's gov.uk page for the current specification.
What learners need to prepare
Building a strong body of workplace evidence from early in the programme is essential. Apprentices should keep records of projects, technical decisions and leadership contributions as they happen rather than trying to reconstruct them later. Working closely with both the employer and the training provider throughout, rather than treating final assessment as a separate end-stage task, gives a clearer picture of progress against the standard's requirements and avoids gaps emerging late in the programme.
Choosing a provider
What good looks like
Look for providers with an achievement rate above 75% on their FATP profile, given the 48-month duration means early attrition is costly. Strong providers will have structured employer engagement, visible in a high employer satisfaction score, and will be able to demonstrate that their curriculum covers current tools and frameworks across the specialist pathways (software engineering, data analytics, cyber security, IT consultancy, network engineering, and business analysis). Check learner reviews for comments on real project work and whether off-the-job learning reflects actual workplace responsibilities rather than generic IT theory.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of providers running large cohorts with a declining achievement rate over successive years, since complex degree-level content creates meaningful dropout risk if pastoral and academic support is thin. Vague answers about how the specialist pathways are structured, or an inability to name the platforms and languages used in teaching, are a concern. For a standard focused on technology leadership, providers who cannot show alumni moving into technical lead, architect, or senior analyst roles after completion are worth questioning.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What is your current achievement rate for this standard, and how has it trended over the last two years?
- Which specialist pathways do you deliver, and can you show us the curriculum for the one relevant to our role?
- What programming languages, cloud platforms, or data tools are taught, and when were these last updated?
- How do you handle the degree-level academic component, and which awarding body or university are you partnered with?
- What does a typical off-the-job learning week look like for an apprentice on this standard?
- Can you connect us with employers who have had apprentices complete this standard with you?
- How do you support apprentices who fall behind on either the academic or workplace element?
Common questions
What are the entry requirements for the digital and technology solutions professional apprenticeship?
Employers set their own entry criteria, but most look for candidates with A-levels or equivalent qualifications, and often some prior experience in a technology or digital role. Apprentices must be employed throughout and meet the provider's academic requirements. Some employers accept strong vocational backgrounds in lieu of formal qualifications. Check directly with your chosen provider, as requirements vary between organisations and chosen specialist pathways within the standard.
How long does this apprenticeship take and how much time is spent learning?
The typical duration is 48 months, combining on-the-job experience with off-the-job learning. The exact proportion of time dedicated to learning away from day-to-day duties is subject to current government reforms. For the up-to-date requirements, check the apprenticeship funding rules on gov.uk. The apprentice remains employed throughout, applying new skills directly to real technology and digital challenges in the workplace.
How is a digital and technology solutions professional apprentice assessed?
Assessment models for many degree-level apprenticeships are currently being reviewed under Skills England reforms. Before the final assessment, the apprentice must pass through a gateway, demonstrating that they have achieved the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in the standard. The current assessment plan details, including any project work, professional discussions, or other methods, are published on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education page on gov.uk.
How does an employer pay for this apprenticeship, and what does it cost?
The funding band for this standard is £27,000, which is the maximum contribution from public funding. Larger employers with an apprenticeship levy account use those funds directly. Smaller employers co-invest alongside the government, typically contributing 5% of training costs. Employers with fewer than 50 employees who take on an apprentice aged 16 to 18 may pay nothing. Your training provider can walk you through the payment schedule and any additional costs not covered by the funding band.
What does a digital and technology solutions professional apprentice actually do day to day?
Day-to-day work depends on the chosen specialism, which typically includes areas such as software engineering, data analytics, cyber security, IT consultancy, or business analysis. Apprentices take on genuine technical responsibilities: designing or building digital systems, analysing data to support decisions, advising on technology strategy, or managing security risks. The role sits at a professional level, so apprentices are expected to contribute meaningfully to projects rather than shadow more senior colleagues.
What can someone do after completing this apprenticeship?
Completing this standard at Level 6 delivers degree-level attainment, meaning graduates can progress into senior technical or management roles within their organisation. Many move into lead developer, solutions architect, data lead, or technology management positions. The qualification also provides a basis for postgraduate study, including master's programmes or chartered status with professional bodies such as BCS or the Chartered Institute for IT. Progression routes depend on the specialism chosen and the employer's structure.
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Curated by Alex Lockey, FATP founder and editor. Last reviewed: .
Sources include the apprenticeship's official specification on apprenticeships.gov.uk, Skills England guidance, IfATE archive records, DWP funding bands, and provider data sourced directly from the public Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Standard reference: 25.
Some sections on this page were drafted with AI assistance from published source data and reviewed by a human editor before publication. See our editorial methodology for how we maintain this content. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.