Innovation that drives values
Recognising both the evolving landscape of data protection and the need to respond to changes in apprenticeship assessment methods, Damar Training has comprehensively redesigned its data protection and information governance practitioner apprenticeship from the ground up.
Launching in May 2026, the transformed level 4 apprenticeship represents a fundamental rethinking of how organisations can develop in-house expertise to navigate the complex world of GDPR, information governance and regulatory compliance.
Discover the strategic innovations that have been used to enhance the programme and the benefits these bring to employers and apprentices below.
The LEARN strategy: Clarity on expectations
The LEARN strategy is a structured framework that gives both apprentices and employers absolute clarity about what happens during off-the-job learning time:
Locate and acquire new knowledge through blended learning
Engage with your team and coach through tasks and progress reviews
Apply learning in the workplace to demonstrate improved capabilities
Reflect on experiences to evaluate decisions and assess impact
Network with peers and professionals through forums, workshops, and wider opportunities.
Stephen Hilling, Curriculum Specialist, emphasises that this framework addresses a critical gap: “Previously, apprentices engaged with content without a clear methodology for translating learning into workplace practice.” The LEARN strategy makes this translation explicit and systematic.
For employers, this means you can answer “What should my apprentice be doing?” at any point in their journey. For apprentices, this removes ambiguity, providing confidence and direction from day one.
Behaviour showcases: Visible development
The second innovation is the introduction of behaviour showcases – structured presentations that apprentices deliver to their employer, supervisor/manager or team at the end of each of the six modules.
These showcases are in addition to the assessment which takes place at the end of the apprenticeship, conducted by an independent assessment organisation. This currently includes a work-based project report with a presentation and Q&A, and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The final details of the apprenticeship assessment are still under consideration by the review group but we will keep employers updated with any changes.
Stephen identifies the behaviour showcases as the direct solution to employer concerns about visibility. They require apprentices to present something tangible from each module, demonstrating what they’ve learned and how they’re applying it. As a result, employers can clearly monitor knowledge acquisition, workplace application of learning and return on investment.
How behaviour showcases work:
- One showcase per module (six total throughout the programme)
- Flexible formats tailored to organisational context – formal presentation, team briefing, process demonstration or training session
- Employer-facing rather than coach-facing, ensuring workplace supervisors and line managers see development firsthand
- Evidence-building that feeds directly into the portfolio for apprenticeship assessment
- Progressive complexity that mirrors the apprentice’s growing capability.
Enhanced structure: Knowledge and skill mastery
The third strategic innovation is the restructuring of content into six sequenced modules with significantly more time allocated to each:
- Set for success (Weeks 1-12): Establishing regulatory landscape and organisational context
- Rules and requests (Weeks 13-24): Fundamental rights and information requests
- Ways to work (Weeks 25-36): Risk assessment, investigation skills and governance
- Driven by data (Weeks 37-48): Emerging technologies and privacy by design
- Supporting stakeholders (Weeks 49-56): Communication and training delivery skills
- Fit for the future (Weeks 57-64): Continuous improvement and horizon scanning.
The redesigned structure gives apprentices adequate time to absorb complex concepts, practice application in workplace contexts, prepare quality behaviour showcases and develop confidence at each level before progressing.
Enhanced support and assessment
Supporting these innovations is an enhanced support framework:
- Three interactive workshops with specialist input from Act Now Training at key transition points, creating opportunities for apprentices to learn from each other’s experiences
- Dedicated group coaching session focused on assessment preparation, helping apprentices understand how their learning and behaviour showcases feed into their assessment
- Upgraded one-to-one coaching visits with clearer objectives tied to module progression
- A dedicated discussion forum where apprentices can share ideas and learn from each other
- Bespoke introductory AI course on how AI can support DPIG practitioners in their role and the challenges they could face.
Benefits for employers: Visibility, value and capability
Increased engagement: The LEARN strategy, module sequencing and behaviour showcases ensure that apprentices are continuously engaging in the programme in a productive, systematic and meaningful way. And that they have adequate time to absorb complex concepts, practice application and develop genuine competence before moving forward.
Enhanced clarity: The LEARN strategy ensures that both you and your apprentice know exactly what’s expected at each stage, creating confidence and direction from day one.
Unprecedented visibility: The behaviour showcases mean you’re never wondering what your apprentice is doing during off-the-job time. You receive regular, structured demonstrations of their growing capability.
Evidence of ROI: Each behaviour showcase provides tangible evidence that your investment is delivering value. You see knowledge being applied to your organisational context, making the ROI clear and measurable.
Confident communicators: By programme completion, apprentices have delivered at least six professional presentations – they won’t just understand data protection, they’ll be able to educate others effectively.
Real solutions to real problems: The work-based project assessment means you’ll receive comprehensive analysis and recommendations on an actual data protection challenge your organisation faces.
Conclusion
As data protection regulations continue to evolve and public awareness of privacy rights increases, the role of the data protection practitioner will only become more central to organisational success. The redesigned programme ensures that those entering this vital profession are better equipped than ever before to meet both current demands and future challenges – with the visibility, clarity, and time needed to develop genuine expertise. The revised programme launches in May 2026, with regular cohort start dates. For organisations looking to benefit from these strategic innovations or individuals seeking to enter this vital profession through a transformed learning experience, now is the time to explore how this redesigned apprenticeship can support your goals.
Get in touch to find out more about Damar Training and our delivery of the data protection apprenticeship.