Data and AI Apprenticeships for the NHS
A full-stack data skills solution tailored to the NHS
One data apprentice can create real impact for the NHS:
77% fewer dropped operations
achieved through live reporting
99% less time spent on reporting
achieved through automations in Python
5x faster ML model training
achieved through automations
1500 hours per month saved
by replacing manual analysis with automated machine learning
About our programmes
Data has the potential to reshape health and social care in the UK. Patient outcomes can be improved through the insight and intelligence that data can provide if the workforce has the skillset to take advantage of the opportunity. Analysis of data can speed diagnosis and research and deliver more efficient service planning. When applied to operational efficiencies, data can save staff time and save care services money, which can be reinvested in patient care.
Cambridge Spark is proud to be delivering data and AI apprenticeships that provide the NHS workforce with the skills needed to reshape health and social care with data. Working with a range of partners, including the NHS Leadership Academy, Microsoft, AnalystX and HDR UK, every NHS employee has an opportunity to develop the data and digital skills they need to succeed.
From building data literacy in Excel, through to earning a MSc-level qualification in artificial intelligence, the Cambridge Spark apprenticeship suite empowers the data transformation of every NHS organisation.
Delivered through EDUKATE.AI, Cambridge Spark's patented online learning platform for data, our programmes are developing the skills of the NHS workforce to take advantage of the opportunities that data offers.
Don't work in healthcare?
Discover our other apprenticeship programmes available to professionals across sectors outside of healthcare.
Building essential data and leadership skills in the NHS
Chloe started the Level 3 NHS Data Citizen Apprenticeship in September 2021, a unique programme designed for NHS employees and delivered by Cambridge Spark and the NHS Leadership Academy.
A 15-month virtual learning programme, delivered with expert input from Health Data Research UK to build data science and AI capability that transforms health and social care in the UK.
Enrolment deadline: 15th October 2023
Example uses:
Reducing time spent in A&E by up to 3 hours per patient by predicting hospital admissions based on triage data
Reducing patient wait times, machine service costs and operational downtime through predictive maintenance
Saving assessment time and teaching costs for surgical trainees by automating skills assessments
Delivery:
Flexible e-learning combined with live, instructor-led training
24/7 support with EDUKATE.AI®, expert faculty, a dedicated data mentor and a learner success coach
Continuous, hands-on project work
Academic Reading Club and two-day Data Hackathon
Suitable For:
Analysts and data scientists looking to apply AI and machine learning to their work.
Clinical staff using Python in their research who want to develop their data science skills.
Prerequisites:
Proficiency in Python programming and linear algebra
Optional Microsoft certification:
The apprenticeship covers the syllabus for the following exams:
AI-102 - Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution
AZ-900 - Azure Fundamentals
"We recognise that digital and data skills are extremely important in the NHS and can pose a barrier for some staff. As well as addressing this skills gap, the Cambridge Spark NHS Data Citizen Apprenticeship programme describes learning which aligns with our Trust values and the values in the NHS Constitution."
Lesley Cradduck, Apprenticeship Centre Manager at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
A 14-month virtual learning programme to build data analytics capability using Python programming and other tools, including SQL and Power BI.
Enrolment deadline: 15th October 2023
Example uses:
Validating the effectiveness of new technologies on NHS services
Identifying and improving underperforming practices and implementing support and corrective actions
Delivery:
Flexible e-learning combined with live, instructor-led training
24/7 support with EDUKATE.AI®, expert faculty, a dedicated data mentor and a learner success coach
Continuous, hands-on project work and a two-day Data Hackathon
Suitable For:
Analysts who want to learn Python programming and SQL
Anyone comfortable using data in Excel who wants to build their analytics capability
Prerequisites:
3 A levels at grade CCC with one at Grade B (or equiv.) in one STEM subject; maths desirable
Optional Microsoft Certification:
The apprenticeship covers the syllabus for the following exams:
DP-100 - Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI
AZ-900 - Azure Fundamentals
"This is a very exciting partnership, which speaks to the People Plan by enabling high quality management training to be delivered in an accessible and affordable way, whilst ensuring inclusive and compassionate leadership is at the core"
Corinna Thomas, Senior Programme Lead, NHS Leadership Academy
A 14-month programme that equips NHS professionals with the competencies required to successfully identify and deploy digital, data-driven solutions in their organisation.
Delivery:
Flexible e-learning combined with live, instructor-led training
24/7 support with EDUKATE.AI®, expert faculty, a dedicated data mentor and a learner success coach
Continuous, hands-on project work and a two-day Data Hackathon
Suitable For:
Anyone looking to build their confidence and skills to enable the digital transformation of the NHS
Anyone comfortable using data in Excel who wants to build their analytics capability
Prerequisites:
3 A levels at grade CCC with one at Grade B (or equiv.) in one STEM subject; maths desirable
Apprentices will undertake the Edward Jenner leadership programme with the NHS Leadership Academy alongside the apprenticeship.
(Employees who have already completed this programme can still undertake the apprenticeship).
"The course has made me start to think analytically about the data: why we are using it, who it is for, what is the impact. It has got me talking to lots of different departments and using data in different ways."
Chloe Giles, Data Compliance Administrator
This apprenticeship is for employees working on the product lifecycle for new digital products as part of the their organisation’s digital transformation. This includes reskilling existing staff into new product roles.
With the demand for Product Managers growing by 8x in the UK in 2022 and a limited number of formal training options available, the DPM apprenticeship is the first time that Product leaders can offer existing and new junior talent the chance to gain a recognised qualification as a Digital Product Manager, with learning completed at work and funded by the government.
Delivery:
Flexible e-learning combined with live, instructor-led training
24/7 support with EDUKATE.AI®, expert faculty, a dedicated data mentor and a learner success coach
Curriculum focused on user centric design approach
Suitable For:
Those responsible for managing the product lifecycle, possibly with the support of a senior colleague
Those working collaboratively with other teams such as Engineering and engaging with other product stakeholders
Prerequisites:
3 A levels at grade CCC with one at Grade B (or equiv.) in one STEM subject; maths desirable
"We are delighted to be delivering unique programmes to equip NHS employees with the data skills they need to reshape health and social care."
Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma, CEO, Cambridge Spark
Delivered by Cambridge Spark and incorporating the Edward Jenner Programme, the NHS Data Citizen Apprenticeship builds data literacy and essential leadership skills across the NHS at scale. Learn about the value of data and become proficient at tools including Excel and Power BI.
Enrolment deadline: 15th October 2023
Optional Microsoft Certification:
The apprenticeship covers the syllabus for the following exam:
DA-100 - Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI
Delivery:
Flexible e-learning combined with live, instructor-led training
Incorporates the Edward Jenner Leadership Programme from the NHS Leadership Academy
24/7 support with EDUKATE.AI®, expert faculty, a dedicated data mentor and a learner success coach
Suitable For:
Anyone who wants to future-proof their skills and understand the value of data
Anyone who could benefit from improving their data skills in Excel
Prerequisites:
GCSEs (or equiv.) at Grade B in one STEM subject; maths desirable
Apprentices will undertake the Edward Jenner leadership programme with the NHS Leadership Academy as a part of the apprenticeship.
(Employees who have already completed this programme can still undertake the apprenticeship).
The People Analytics Pathway
Tailored to help contextualise what they've learned in the Data Citizen apprenticeship towards people functions, the People Analytics Pathway offers learners an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how data can be used to inform key people decisions, such as talent management, performance management and employee engagement. Learn More
Accelerated learning on EDUKATE.AI
Apprentices will submit assignments on EDUKATE.AI®, Cambridge Spark’s patented AI-powered learning and development platform built for AI and data science education.
Real-life applications - Assignments apply skills to real-world problems, simulating a data science environment in a range of sectors
Instant feedback on code - Learners submit code and receive feedback instantly, helping them develop their skills and improve the quality of their code without waiting for a tutor.
Fully personalised - Learners receive personalised exercises and reading recommendations based on the code they submit
The Experiential Learning Process
We apply an approach of blended experiential learning. Through a mix of interactive, instructor-led workshops and hands-on practice with personalised feedback and recommendations, learners enjoy the optimum balance between theoretical and practical learning (70% hands-on / 30% theoretical). This enables learners to achieve a much steeper learning curve and apply their skills and knowledge in practice, guaranteeing ROI for their team and organisation.
Learning
Interactive Workshops
Experimentation
Practice on EDUKATE.AI®
Application
Work-based Projects
Unparalleled Learning Support
Cambridge Spark deliver a unique learner support model, designed for AI and data science education. The support of the Cambridge Spark faculty, EDUKATE.AI, the data mentor and the learner success coach maximise the success of every apprentice.
Cambridge Spark Faculty
Apprentices will be taught by Cambridge Spark's faculty of teaching fellows. The faculty are composed of specialists from across academia and industry, ensuring apprentices stay at the cutting-edge of AI and data science.
EDUKATE.AI
Apprentices receive continuous feedback on their code whilst completing assignments, with personalised learning recommendations to accelerate their skills development.
Data Mentor
While developing their portfolio of work-based projects, the apprentice will be supported by a dedicated Cambridge Spark data mentor who helps bridge the gap between learning and return on investment.
Learner Success Coach
Each learner will has a dedicated learner success coach who supports the apprentice on their career and personal development throughout the programme.
FAQs
Our programmes are delivered as an apprenticeship to learners in England, to allow access to Levy funding and allow our learners to gain a recognised qualificatio.
For learners outside of England or who are not eligible for an apprenticeship, we can delivered tailored programmes outside of the Levy.
Apprenticeships are a long-term training commitment which seek to support people into the workforce and upskill existing UK-based employees within an organisation, enabling employers to foster a workforce consisting of highly-skilled and highly-engaged talent.
Our apprenticeships include aa minimum of 6 hours per week off-the-job training, enabling a blended approach between theory and practical learning.
The UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme came into effect in April 2017 as a way to drive investment in strengthening the country’s skills base.
All NHS organisations with annual staff costs of over £3m have to pay 0.5% of their salary bill into a ring-fenced apprenticeship levy pot. The money is collected monthly via PAYE and must be spent within 24 months and used for training on approved apprenticeship schemes (such as the suite of data apprenticeships we offer the NHS).
Off-the-job training is defined as learning undertaken outside of the day-to-day work duties and during the apprentice’s normal working hours.
Our off-the-job training is delivered on a flexible basis and can be carried out at the apprentice’s place of work or home.
The 6 hours per week, minimum, off-the-job training provides learners with the time to focus and develop the required skills, knowledge and behaviours to complete the programme and reach occupational competence.
Managers will need to ensure apprentices achieve their planned off-the-job training hours and work on their project portfolio.
We also encourage managers to have regular one-to-one meetings with apprentices to catch up on how they are progressing and to join the apprentice and their coach for thirty minutes every 3-4 months for a general catch up about the programme.