Data Protection and Information Governance Apprentice, Natasha, is an integral part of the Governance and Compliance team at the University of Lincoln and is using her new skills and knowledge to help foster a culture of compliance at the university, helping to change perceptions and quickly becoming the ‘go-to’ person within the organisation.
With new government legislation on the horizon through the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, Natasha talks to us about why this is a great area to work in and how the apprenticeship route has been particularly beneficial for her.
How did you get onto the apprenticeship?
“I was already working at the university as an Information Compliance Officer when the opportunity for a staff apprenticeship came up.
“The process was swift and straightforward, and I was enrolled on the Data Protection and Information Governance Apprenticeship within three months of enquiring.”
How has the apprenticeship helped you?
“I started with a good understanding of the UK Data Protection legislation but my knowledge has grown significantly, and now I’m coming to the end of my level 4 apprenticeship, I’ve gained so much more insight and my confidence has grown.
“As a university, we hold vast amounts of data. My apprenticeship is allowing me to solve the challenge of data retention and implement better measures to retain, destroy and archive information. I have developed a greater understanding of the legislative requirements we must adhere to as a public sector institute and how to reduce and assess data protection risks.
“I love the fact that I can study whilst still doing my job. The flexibility works for me because I can go through course materials at my own pace. I really feel like I have a brilliant work/life/study balance.
“The University of Lincoln and Damar Training have been fantastic in supporting me. I get along with my coach, Tracey, so well. She is very friendly and personable and has enabled my creativity to flow.
“The course is very interactive, and I’ve found the forums with other apprentices to be a very useful way of sharing knowledge, ideas and stories.
“I’m enjoying it so much and people have noticed that my confidence has grown. I wouldn’t have had that without doing this apprenticeship. I’ve now got my sights on doing a law degree or law apprenticeship in the future.”
Abi Slater, Information Compliance Manager at Lincoln University, said: “It has been great to see how much Natasha has developed over the course of the apprenticeship. I believe the apprenticeship has provided Natasha with the knowledge and skills required to advance in her data protection career and the support from her coach at Damar Training has been excellent.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in data protection and information governance to consider this apprenticeship.”
Tracey Coetzee, Coach at Damar Training said: “The Data Protection and Information Governance Apprenticeship was only approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships in 2022, and its delightful to see apprentices flourishing on the programme.
“From cyber security to managing data protection risks, this programme is upskilling participants and adding value to both private and public sector organisations and we’re thrilled to see the first cohort, including Natasha, approach the completion of their training.”
Find out more
Find out more about Damar’s Data Protection and Information Governance Practitioner Apprenticeship, which was built in partnership with experts in the field at Act Now.
If you would like to explore how Damar can help you or your business across our range of apprenticeships in business and professional services, please contact us.