A Data & Reporting Specialist helps organisations collect, prepare and present data clearly so it can be used to support decisions and improve performance.
Data & Reporting Specialist
Build in-house data capability to collect, prepare and present reliable insights that support better decisions.
About
What's Involved
Content
Perfect For
Entry Criteria
Assessments
Output
How Much Is it?
What is This Programme
Over approximately 13 months, learners develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to source data safely, clean and structure datasets, analyse information and communicate insights in a clear and meaningful way.
They learn how to work with different data sources, apply legal and ethical data handling practices, and produce reports and visualisations that help teams understand patterns, trends and performance.
By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be able to transform raw data into accurate, useful and audience-appropriate insight that supports evidence-based decision making across the organisation.
This Programme Aims To:
- Develop employees who can collect, prepare and present data accurately and securely
- Improve the quality and reliability of reporting across teams
- Enable better evidence-based decision making through clearer insight and communication
- Build internal capability in data governance, analysis and visualisation
What's Involved?
Workshops + Workplace Learning
Learners build their capability through a blend of expert-led workshops and practical workplace learning. Each module is designed to help participants apply new knowledge immediately in their role, improving how data is sourced, prepared, analysed and communicated.
Portfolio of Evidence
Throughout the programme, learners create a portfolio showing how they have applied their learning in the workplace. Evidence may include reports, dashboards, data preparation activities, visualisations, reflections, quality checks, documented processes and other relevant work outputs.
Practical Project Build
A key part of the programme is applying learning to real business activity. Learners use workplace data to improve reporting, analysis or decision support, demonstrating measurable value through better visibility, stronger data quality and more effective communication of insight.
What You'll Learn?
Module 1
Induction & Data Formats
Understand the role, professional behaviours and common data formats used in reporting.
Digital office and collaboration tools
Data architecture fundamentals
Structured, semi-structured and unstructured data
Data formats, standards and collation basics
Mapping the role to core duties and behaviours
Module 2
Accessing & Extracting Data
Source and extract data safely from different systems and formats.
Connection methods such as CSV, API and query-based access
Safe extraction and loading of data
Documenting data sources
Identifying personal data risks
Accessing data securely and appropriately
Module 3
The Data Landscape & Standards
Understand modern data environments, structures and standards.
Modern data environments
On-premises and cloud-based architectures
Data standards and structures
Professional handling of digital information
Module 4
Data Protection
Apply governance, privacy and compliance principles when handling data.
GDPR principles
Anonymisation and pseudonymisation
Compliant storage and sharing
Auditing data distribution
Reducing privacy and compliance risks
Module 5
Cleaning & Quality Fundamentals
Prepare reliable datasets through cleaning, standardisation and quality checks.
Cleaning and preparing datasets
Standardising formats and values
Identifying errors, duplicates and inconsistencies
Applying data quality checks
Improving reliability for downstream analysis
Module 6
Filtering & Single-Source Analysis
Filter, sort and analyse data to answer business questions and identify patterns.
Filtering and sorting data
Exploring trends and patterns
Documenting findings
Understanding tool limitations
Supporting targeted actions from insight
Module 7
Blending Multiple Sources
Combine data from multiple sources to unlock richer analysis.
Blending and merging datasets
JOIN and lookup methods
Resolving mismatches between sources
Cross-source validation
Managing privacy risks when combining data
Module 8
Statistical Methods
Use core statistical techniques to validate findings and quantify trends.
Mean, median and standard deviation
Distributions and variation
Correlation and causation
Identifying outliers
Using statistics to support interpretation
Module 9
Validation & Quality Management
Apply validation frameworks and audit trails to maintain confidence in outputs.
Validation frameworks
Audit trails
Quality checks and exception handling
Escalation of quality issues
Preventing downstream reporting errors
Module 10
Visualisation Tools
Create clear and effective visualisations that help others understand data.
Choosing the right chart type
Using tools such as Excel and Power BI
Avoiding misleading visuals
Presenting trends clearly
Documenting visual outputs
Module 11
Audience-Adapted Communication
Present insights clearly for different audiences and support collaboration.
Adapting communication for technical and non-technical audiences
Presenting findings clearly
Supporting evidence-based decisions
Collaborating with stakeholders
Producing useful handover documentation
Module 12
Ethics & Professional Practice
Apply ethical, responsible and inclusive approaches to data work.
Ethical and responsible data use
EDI and sustainability considerations
Escalating concerns appropriately
Professional behaviours in data roles
Building trust and fairness in reporting
Module 13
Emerging Technologies
Understand how new technologies are shaping data and reporting practice.
AI, ML and IoT in data environments
Evaluating emerging tools
Understanding future trends
Continuous professional development
Using technology appropriately in reporting contexts
Module 14
Portfolio, Reflection & Professionalism
Develop reflective practice and demonstrate growth across the apprenticeship.
Reflective practice
Recording progress across competencies
Articulating value in professional discussions
Building strong portfolio evidence
Module 15
Deep Dive Practical Assessment Preparation + Project Initiation
Prepare for final assessment and demonstrate measurable workplace improvement.
Consolidating evidence against KSBs
Rehearsing EPA methods
Reviewing workplace improvements
Preparing distinction-level evidence
Showcasing business impact
Who is it Perfect For?
Organisations Needing Better Reporting
Ideal for employers who want clearer, more reliable reporting to support decision making.
Data Support Roles
Suitable for employees responsible for preparing, checking or presenting data in the workplace.
Operational Teams
Great for teams that need stronger internal capability in data handling and analysis.
Growing Organisations
Useful for organisations wanting insight without relying solely on external analysts or consultants.
Organisations Needing Better Reporting
Data Support Roles
Operational Teams
Growing Organisations
What is The Entry Criteria?
Learners need to:
- Be in a relevant role involving data, reporting or business information
- Have the opportunity to collect, prepare, analyse or present workplace data
- Be able to complete workplace-based evidence and practical project activity
Learners should be able to work with data in a live business context and apply legal, ethical and governance principles appropriately.
Learners should be able to understand and communicate in English to a level that allows them to complete the apprenticeship and End-Point Assessment successfully.
How is The Programme Assessed?
End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place at the end of the apprenticeship and assesses the learner against the knowledge, skills and behaviours within the occupational standard.
The final assessment approach should be confirmed against the approved standard and EPA organisation, but typically includes a practical assessment or project activity alongside a professional discussion supported by portfolio evidence.
Practical assessment or project-based activity
A practical assessment demonstrating how the learner can collect, prepare, analyse and communicate data effectively in a business context.
Professional discussion supported by portfolio evidence
A structured discussion drawing on the learner's portfolio, workplace evidence and reflections to demonstrate competence and impact.
What Learners Get Out of It
Level 3 Data & Reporting Specialist Apprenticeship
Learners complete a Level 3 apprenticeship focused on collecting, preparing, analysing and communicating data in the workplace.
The programme develops practical capability in data handling, reporting, visualisation, validation and professional data practice.
By the end of the programme, learners can turn raw data into accurate, useful insight that supports better business decisions and performance.
Benefits
- Builds practical skills in collecting, cleaning and preparing data accurately and securely.
- Improves confidence in analysing information and identifying trends, patterns and exceptions.
- Develops the ability to communicate insight clearly to different audiences.
- Strengthens understanding of data governance, privacy, compliance and responsible handling.
- Supports better reporting processes and more evidence-based decision making across the organisation.
- Creates measurable workplace value through improved visibility, quality and usability of data.
How Much is it?
Programme Cost
Up to 100% Funded
Listed programme cost is £13,000, with funding support available up to 100% depending on employer and learner eligibility.
£13,000 per person
Duration
~13 Months
Delivered through workshops and workplace learning, with practical application throughout the programme.
Funded apprenticeship route
Sounds Good?
Whether youβre looking to boost your teamβs skills or kickstart your own career, our apprenticeship programmes offer the support and expertise you need to succeed. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you unlock potential and achieve your goals.
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Gleneagles House, Verongate, Derby, DE1 1UP