Data protection and information governance practitioner
Level 4 · HigherBusiness and administration 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This apprenticeship trains you to protect personal data and manage information governance within an organisation. You will assess data risks, ensure the organisation complies with UK GDPR and data protection law, and advise colleagues on handling information correctly. It leads to roles such as Data Protection Officer or Information Governance Manager.
On the job
What you’ll learn
UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and related legislation
How to conduct data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
Rights of individuals and how organisations must respond to them
Information risk management frameworks and governance structures
Records management and retention scheduling principles
How to handle data breaches and report to the ICO
Privacy by design and how to embed it in projects
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Review new projects for data protection risks and advise teams
Respond to subject access requests within legal deadlines
Maintain the organisation's records of processing activities (ROPA)
Investigate potential data breaches and document outcomes
Deliver staff training and awareness sessions on data handling
Liaise with the Information Commissioner's Office when required
Audit data flows to check compliance with privacy policies
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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