GOV.UK Science and Technology · Updated 28 Sept 2026
Official updateWORKFORCEAI ADOPTION
All standardsDiscuss this route
AI LEADERSTRONGLY AI-RELEVANT
ST0482 · Version 1.0
Digital and technology solutions specialist (integrated degree)
Start with the work someone needs to become competent in and the capability they need to develop.
Develops specialists who investigate, identify and implement strategic digital and technology solutions through a chosen technical specialism.
Important Level 7 funding restriction: For starts from 1 January 2026, government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is generally limited to people aged 16 to 21, or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care plan and/or qualifying care experience; private funding may remain possible.
Overview
What this apprenticeship develops
Develops specialists who investigate, identify and implement strategic digital and technology solutions through a chosen technical specialism. It is designed around the occupation in the official standard, not simply access to AI tools.
AI LEADER: People responsible for strategy, governance, adoption and organisational change.
Role fit
Who it is designed for
- Experienced digital professionals in strategic specialist roles
- People whose work combines technology depth with leadership and change
Where AI genuinely fits
STRONGLY AI-RELEVANT: The occupation can build substantial AI-enabling capability, although AI is not its only purpose.
- Digital technology leadership
- Data analytics strategy
- Enterprise architecture
- IT strategy and future technology
Learning
What someone will learn and apply
Outcomes
Roles and business value
Recognition
Qualification and professional recognition
Practicalities
Entry and delivery considerations
Funding
Funding and eligibility
£21,000
Maximum funding band
The funding band is the maximum government funding available for eligible training and assessment. The actual funding route and employer contribution depend on the learner, role, employer circumstances and rules in force at the start date.
- Funding and learner eligibility depend on the rules in force on the apprentice's start date.
- The apprentice must have an eligible job in England that allows them to develop and demonstrate the standard's occupational competence.
- Prior learning, residency, employment status, age and employer circumstances can affect eligibility or the amount funded.
- For starts from 1 January 2026, government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is generally limited to people aged 16 to 21, or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care plan and/or qualifying care experience; private funding may remain possible.
Decision check
When another route may fit better
Programme selection
What to investigate next
National apprenticeship standard
The national occupational framework: the duties and required knowledge, skills and behaviours, together with the assessment plan, level and maximum funding band.
Provider programme
How a provider teaches and supports that standard. Curriculum emphasis, sequencing, projects, practical application, technology exposure, delivery and assessment preparation can differ.
More tools, certificates or features do not automatically make a programme more appropriate. The useful question is how well the delivery fits the occupation, learner and workplace.
Ask how the provider connects the curriculum to real work, which projects and approved tools are used, how feedback and assessment preparation work, and what support the learner and line manager receive.
Provider-specific guidance
Review delivery options without a public ranking
Provider delivery can vary by structure, duration, qualifications, technology and support. Provider identities and comparisons remain within the advisory process so the evidence can be considered against the role and practical context.
Provider-specific review available
Evidence
Sources and verification
- Last verified
- 23 September 2026
- Official last reviewed
- Not published