BSc Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

The BSc Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, validated by The Open University, is structured to deliver deep technical knowledge alongside practical workplace experience. After a strong foundation in Year 1, apprentices specialise in one of four distinct pathways, ensuring their skills perfectly align with your business needs and the future direction of digital technology.

Programme Overview

All apprentices begin with core modules in Year 1, covering SDLC and Project Management, Computer Programming (using Javascript/Python), Database Systems, and Introduction to Cloud Computing.

The specialisation begins in Year 2, creating a clear focus for their technical development.

Full specification here

Data Analyst

This pathway develops experts in transforming raw data into actionable business intelligence, using modern data science tools and techniques.

Year 2

Data Analytics with Python and Data Visualisation and Statistics. Apprentices master core data science libraries (Numpy, pandas, Scikit-learn) to locate, manipulate, and analyse data, coupled with best practices for creating meaningful visualisations.

Year 3

Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics. The focus shifts to automated data analysis, implementing machine learning techniques for predictive analytics, and extracting insights from large, unstructured datasets (Big Data).

Tech Consultant

Apprentices on this pathway are trained to bridge the gap between technology and business, focusing on strategy, innovation, and risk management.

Year 2

Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Business Risk Analysis. Apprentices develop the skills for planning and launching ventures, managing innovation, and examining the tools and techniques used to identify, measure, and manage significant Business Risks (e.g., Financial Risk, Entrepreneurial Risk).

Year 3

Emerging Technologies in Business and Technology Entrepreneurship in Practice. The focus is on understanding the integration and impact of new technologies and developing the practical skills, including knowledge of IP law, required for commercialising and marketing technological innovation.

Software Engineer

This pathway creates professionals who can design, build, and deploy complex, scalable systems. It focuses heavily on advanced coding practices and system architecture.

Year 2

Applied Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Programming & Algorithmic Design. This includes exploring a range of programming paradigms, complex data structures (like Heaps and Graphs), and applying principles of AI and machine learning.

Year 3

Enterprise Software Engineering and Software Quality Assurance. Apprentices learn to design, implement, and maintain non-trivial enterprise systems, focusing on Microservices, Scalability, DevOps, and comprehensive testing strategies (SQA).

Cyber Security Specialist

This pathway builds highly-skilled individuals capable of protecting digital assets, analysing threats, and testing system resilience.

Year 2

Cyber Security in Society and Cyber Security Analytics. Core learning covers the CIA model (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), Risk Assessment, and analysing data related to threats using tools like SIEM systems (e.g., Splunk) and network traffic analysis.

Year 3

Cyber Security Management and Cyber Security Penetration Testing. Apprentices learn to develop and implement a security programme within an organisation, covering management frameworks (e.g., GDPR, NIS Directive), and gain practical, ethical knowledge in penetration testing to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities.

98%

Pass rate

90%

Employer satisfaction

30%+

Above national average achievement

Typical learning cycle per project

Each project follows the same rhythm:
Launch, learn, build, refine and reflect. Anchored by an in-person Ada Lab week.

Some of our apprenticeship partners

Employers we work with

Why Ada

We have a retention rates 20% higher than industry averages, a co-designed curriculum with industry partners, end to end recruitment at no additional cost, complimentary line manager training, a dedicated TSC for every apprentice and so much more to offer.

Levy Funding

Fully Levy-funded for eligible employers, with additional support available.

Ada makes hiring, onboarding, and developing talent easy, from job spec to graduation.

The problem we solve

Most organisations are overpaying for external talent while underutilising internal potential.

There are too few specialists to build software, secure infrastructure, and data platforms, or to apply AI and connect technology with operations. We help fix this.

Get in touch

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Our apprentices are so critical to our future. They enable us to increase and improve diversity.
If we look at the society we live in, the technology choices that we make today, will be the technology impacts and choices that we live with in 20 years from now.
The leaders that are making those decisions need to reflect the society that we live in.

Aisling Teo Director at Deloitte

FAQS

See our full list of FAQ’s on ‘Our Apprenticeship Programmes’ page

What are my commitments as an employer?

Employers provide a dedicated line manager or technical mentor, access to necessary tools and resources, meaningful work (automation projects, data access, team involvement), and active participation in the apprentice’s progress reviews and final sign-off.

How much does it cost?

Levy-paying employers (payroll over £3m): training is fully funded through your existing levy, your only cost is the apprentice’s salary. Non-levy employers: the government covers 95% of training costs; you pay just 5%, in instalments. Ada also supports recruitment at no additional cost.

Where does training take place?

Ada has cutting-edge campuses in London and Manchester. In-person ‘Ada Lab’ weeks are held on campus. Weekly learning is delivered remotely. Ada can also deliver closed employer cohorts across England.

Who are Ada’s current employer partners?

Ada works with leading organisations including ClearScore, Bank of America, HSBC, Booking.com, Bloomberg, PwC, Deloitte, Legal & General, Royal London, AutoTrader, Just Eat, Siemens, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Channel 4, British Council, Accurx, and many more.