Data skills and leadership development in one 13-month Level 3 apprenticeship
Data Technician Level 3 (ST0795 v1.1) with integrated CMI leadership qualification
The only apprenticeship programme that combines genuine data skills training with CMI-accredited leadership development on a single funded standard. Your team leaders learn to use data, not just collect it.
Learners walk away with credentials that carry weight:
The leadership apprenticeships your teams rely on are being defunded. This programme fills the gap with something better.
Your team leaders will make decisions based on evidence, not instinct. Excel, Power BI, and data storytelling are built into the programme from day one.
Not a bolt-on webinar. Leadership theory starts in Module 1 and builds every month, from styles and situational leadership through to coaching and performance management, all assessed through a CMI Level 3 Award.
Sits within the funding band. Levy employers use existing funds. Non-levy employers co-invest just 5%. The Growth and Skills Levy brings even broader flexibility from April 2026.
Team Leader L3 and Ops Manager L5 are being defunded from September 2026. This programme gives your leadership pipeline a standard that stays funded.
Team Leader L3 (ST0384) and Operations Manager L5 (ST0385) will no longer accept new starts. Act now to transition your leadership development pathway.
Improvement scores based on post-programme employer surveys across similar TESS programmes.
This programme is for the team leaders, supervisors, and first-line managers who need to use data every day but have never been shown how.
Promoted for being great at the job, now expected to lead a team with no formal training. Needs leadership models and management frameworks.
Drowning in spreadsheets and manual reports. Knows there must be a better way to track team performance but has never been trained.
Makes solid decisions but cannot back them up with data. Needs to present evidence to senior stakeholders and influence upwards.
On the path to Operations Manager or Head of Department. Needs the data literacy and leadership credentials to take the next step.
Your learners walk away with two regulated qualifications plus the apprenticeship certificate. More than any competitor offers, with no extra assessment burden.
Leadership styles, team development, performance management, coaching, feedback, and delegation. One workplace-applied assignment (approx. 2,500 words). Achieved by month 11.
Regulated QualificationSix mandatory units covering the full data lifecycle. Internally assessed portfolio - the same evidence feeds into the EPA. No double work. Achieved by month 11.
Regulated QualificationThe nationally recognised apprenticeship standard. Two scenario demonstrations (90 mins) plus professional discussion (60 mins). Graded up to Distinction.
National StandardData skills and leadership development run side by side from day one. Every module builds both technical capability and team leadership practice.
What your organisation gains from developing data-driven team leaders.
We checked what competitors deliver on the Data Technician standard. Here is the genuine side-by-side.
| Feature | TESS Group | Typical Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated qualifications included | ✓ 2 + EPA | 0-1 + EPA |
| Leadership integrated throughout | ✓ Built into every module from day one | None or bolted on |
| CMI management qualification | ✓ CMI L3 Award | Not included |
| Power BI training | ✓ Full module | Brief overview |
| Coaching models (GROW, OSCAR) | ✓ Taught and assessed | Not covered |
| Data storytelling for leaders | ✓ Dedicated module | Presentation basics only |
| Employer visibility | ✓ Monthly reports + portal | Varies |
Recognised for quality of leadership delivery
Inspected and rated for apprenticeship quality
Rated by learners and employers
No other provider wraps CMI leadership into the Data Technician standard. This programme is a genuine market first.
Evidence for the NCFE portfolio feeds directly into the EPA. Your learners do the work once and it counts everywhere.
Monthly progress reports, employer dashboards, and a dedicated account manager. You always know where your learners are.
Completers can progress to AI for Operations Leaders (L4) or other TESS programmes across data, leadership, and improvement.
Qualifications delivered through nationally recognised awarding organisations.
Two practical assessment methods that test real workplace capability across the full programme.
The EPA is conducted by an independent assessor after gateway. Both methods must be passed for the apprenticeship to be awarded.
Two practical demonstrations observed by an independent assessor. Scenario 1: Data Gathering (45 mins). Scenario 2: Data Analysis and Validation (45 mins). Minimum 10 questions across both.
A structured one-to-one discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence (typically 8 pieces). Minimum 10 open questions. Audio-recorded. 60 minutes.
The final on-programme module is dedicated entirely to EPA preparation: mock assessments, portfolio consolidation, and gateway readiness. No learner goes in unprepared.
9 modules building knowledge, skills, and portfolio evidence
Mock assessments, portfolio QA, gateway sign-off
Two observed demonstrations with questioning (90 mins total)
Portfolio-underpinned discussion (60 mins). Grading confirmed.
Each method graded Fail / Pass / Distinction. Both at Pass = Pass overall. One Distinction + one Pass = Merit. Both at Distinction = Distinction.
Build a complete workforce development pathway with TESS.
Data skills + CMI leadership on the Data Technician standard. Three qualifications in 13 months.
AI and automation skills with CMI Level 5 leadership. The natural next step for Data-Driven Team Leader completers.
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27+ apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 7 across AI, data, leadership, HR, and quality improvement.
Book a discovery call to discuss how this programme fits your team, your sector, and your levy or funding position.