Digital apprenticeship information series

Recruiting an apprentice can be a highly effective way to build skills and grow talent — but knowing where to start can feel daunting, particularly for small organisations.

This session will focus on the practicalities of recruiting and supporting a digital apprentice, including planning the role, navigating the recruitment process, and putting the right support structures in place once the apprentice starts. We will share examples of good practice from our current employers and discuss how to make apprenticeships work in small teams.

Who should attend?

This session is particularly aimed at owners and managers of small and medium sized businesses in England and Wales who:

• Are considering recruiting their first apprentice
• Want to understand employer responsibilities and expectations
• Are unsure how to support an apprentice day to day
• Would value practical advice grounded in real world experience

Managers in larger organisations, especially those who directly line manage apprentices, would also find this session useful to:

• Refresh their understanding of apprenticeship opportunities
• Develop a wider understanding of apprenticeship provision

Understanding how apprentices are taught can help employers better support learning in the workplace and gain more value from their investment. We will share stories from our apprentices showing the real impact they made during their apprenticeship.

This session provides a deeper look at our digital apprenticeship teaching approach, including the topics and technology we cover, how academic study integrates with workplace learning, how apprentices are assessed, and what good employer–provider–apprentice collaboration looks like in practice. It is an opportunity to see how learning is designed, delivered, and supported.

Who should attend?

This session is aimed particularly at owners and managers of small and medium sized businesses in England and Wales who:

• Currently employ a digital apprentice
• Are considering an apprenticeship but want to understand the learning model
• Support apprentices as line managers or mentors
• Want clearer insight into how teaching and assessment work

Managers in larger organisations, especially those who directly line manage apprentices, would also find this session useful to:

• Refresh their understanding of apprenticeship opportunities
• Develop a wider understanding of apprenticeship provision

Watch now on demand

This employer‑focused session introduces Level 4 and Level 6 digital apprenticeships, available funding, opportunities for your organisation, and ways to support your local community. It covers essential information for getting an apprentice started with any provider, provides an overview of The Open University’s apprenticeship offer, and includes stories from apprentices and a Q&A segment.

Who should watch?

Owners and managers of small and medium‑sized businesses in England and Wales who want to:

• Expand, develop, or retain key talent
• Access government apprenticeship funding
• Build digital capability
• Understand how apprenticeships work

Managers in larger organisations will also benefit from refreshing their understanding of apprenticeship opportunities and provision.

Watch now on demand

Generative AI tools are increasingly used in everyday business practice, but their adoption raises important questions about data protection, confidentiality, and organisational risk. This session explores how GenAI intersects with UK data protection requirements, what employers need to consider before using these tools, and how to support staff to use AI responsibly and lawfully. It includes practical guidance, common pitfalls, and examples tailored to small and medium‑sized organisations.

Who should watch?

Owners and managers of small and medium‑sized businesses in England and Wales who:

• Are curious about using generative AI
• Handle personal, customer, or commercially sensitive data
• Want to understand data protection risks and responsibilities
• Need practical, non‑technical guidance

Managers in larger organisations will also find value in understanding how to support apprentices and new starters with ethical GenAI use.