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Data Foundations

Data Foundations is FTL's structured Early Careers data development programme for people aged 16-24 entering or early in their careers.

It combines practical data capability with communication, professional judgement, digital and AI skills, extensive coaching and applied workplace learning.

The programme is delivered through the nationally recognised Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship.

The programme is designed for people aged 16-24 who work with data, reports or information and need to develop substantial new skills.

It can suit school and college leavers, new Early Careers hires, graduates entering appropriate roles and existing colleagues early in their careers across operational, finance, people, customer, service, performance and analytical functions.

Fit is determined by the work the individual will have the opportunity to undertake and the new skills they need to develop, rather than by a specific job title.

No specialist data background is required.

The programme develops practical capability progressively, from asking good questions and preparing reliable data through to analysis, communicating findings and supporting evidence-led decisions.

Learners do need appropriate opportunities to work with data or information in their role so they can apply what they are learning.

Data Foundations is underpinned by the Skills England Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship standard and its occupational knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Its wider Early Careers design is intentionally aligned to the Skills England Employability Skills Framework, which provides a common national language for employability, alongside the Gatsby Benchmarks, Skills Builder Universal Framework and FutureDotNow Essential Digital Skills Framework.

FTL translates these frameworks into practical workplace development through coaching, applied missions, live learning and peer study groups.

Learners develop the ability to collect and prepare data, improve its quality, analyse information, identify patterns and present findings clearly.

They also learn to ask better questions, work with stakeholders, question assumptions, use evidence to support decisions and use AI appropriately while maintaining human judgement and accountability.

AI capability runs throughout the programme rather than sitting in a standalone module.

Learners explore how AI can support data work while learning to question outputs, check accuracy, recognise limitations, protect information and remain accountable for the conclusions they draw.

Every learner also works towards Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification.

The principle is: AI fluency + human judgement, not AI dependence.

Data Foundations runs for 14 months, with approximately 4 hours of protected learning time per week.

Those four hours are used for structured learning, including regular 1:1 coaching, live learning workshops, peer study groups, online learning and Mentarri-supported learning and practice.

The rest of the development happens through applied learning in the flow of work, with learners using what they are building through real data, reporting, analysis, conversations, decisions and workplace challenges.

Assessment and feedback are integrated throughout the programme so learners can demonstrate, reflect on and strengthen their capability as they progress.

For eligible apprentices aged 16-24 at the start of their apprenticeship training, training and assessment can be 100% funded in England, up to the £13,000 funding-band maximum, whether or not the employer pays the apprenticeship levy.

Funding rules and eligibility criteria apply. FTL can help employers confirm eligibility and the funding position for a proposed cohort.

Data Foundations creates a foundation for stronger performance in the learner's current role and for greater responsibility as their capability develops.

For learners whose work progresses into more advanced analysis, insight and decision support, a natural next pathway is FTL's Data & Insight Management Programme, delivered through the Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship.

Start with the pathway that fits the work now, then build from there as responsibilities grow.

Data Foundations is delivered through the Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship, ST0795.

The apprenticeship develops the capability to source, format and present data securely for analysis, alongside the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work responsibly and effectively with data.

FTL customises that occupational foundation specifically for Early Careers, integrating human capability, professional judgement, AI and structured workplace development.