Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Discover the ALT Endorsed Digital Learning Designer Apprenticeship

At ALT we recognise the importance of developing new pathways into our profession, and in September 2023 we announced the first apprenticeship standard endorsed by ALT. This Level 5 apprenticeship is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful digital learning designers. 

We are proud to collaborate with a number of providers, who offer industry-focused training, world-class support, and apprenticeships that accelerate careers and secure futures. This month, as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we invited LDN Apprenticeships Programme Growth Manager, Robert Davis, to participate in our profile series. Robert shares his experience working with the Digital Learning Designer (DLD) apprenticeships and explains how ALT members can get involved.

How are you involved with ALT?

I work for LDN Apprenticeships as the Programme Growth Manager – helping to engage with employers and employees around the new DLD Level 5 apprenticeship standard. We were delighted to launch the Digital Learning Designer programme alongside our partnership with ALT, as the first apprenticeship training provider to deliver the programme in the country!

As LDN Apprenticeships is an Organisational Member of ALT, our DLD Apprentices receive free Associate membership of ALT and we also work with the association to help provide additional learning opportunities for our apprentices and ALT Members.

What do you find exciting about working with the Digital Learning Designer Apprenticeship?

It’s incredible to see so much interest and engagement from so many people, across so many different industries since launching the DLD programme in September 2023. There really is no other apprenticeship like it in terms of both the learning content and curriculum, as well as the passion from apprentices to develop and expand their online learning and e-learning knowledge. It’s been exciting to see it grow and evolve. From being a part of the initial trailblazer group to building and launching the programme, and seeing the DLD Apprenticeship become the success it is today, I have witnessed tremendous growth and achievements. Some of our apprentices on the programme are already receiving recognition for their achievements as well, with many gaining awards and taking up ambassadorial roles across the industry.

An apprenticeship within the digital learning environment has been long overdue and as the very first training provider to offer the programme, it’s something we’re excited to be involved in and proud to be the biggest provider for the programme in the country. I can’t wait to see it develop and go from strength to strength!

What can our members expect day to day, if they were to recruit an apprentice on the DLD programme? How can they get involved?  

The DLD Apprenticeship is created specifically for employees working within the area of online learning so the work they’re doing in the workplace aligns with what they’re learning and the projects they put together as part of the apprenticeship.

DLD Apprenticeships can support ALT members looking to upskill an existing member of their team or those looking to introduce and hire exciting new talent. 

Apprentices will be a part of the DLD Apprenticeship community and through LDN can receive one-to-one guidance from a dedicated Digital Learning Designer Skills Coach. This is supplemented by group Learning Sessions, Masterclasses and Development days, hosted by industry experts to further enhance and develop their understanding and knowledge within the digital learning landscape. Ultimately implementing this back into their role day-to-day and improving productivity and output overall for L&D and digital learning departments.

How do you see the role of apprenticeships evolving in the digital learning landscape?

It’s an interesting time to be working within digital learning as major changes and updates to the online learning world and its function within a business has changed so much in recent years. Since launching the programme in a post-Covid/Lockdown working environment, to the introduction and influence of AI, the Digital Learning Designer apprenticeship has helped employees grasp, understand and implement important shifts within the industry. Our apprenticeship will also need to evolve to reflect trends like this, and we review it regularly to make sure it’s keeping up to date with these changes.

Based on our recent experience and the increasing demand for online learning, I can see apprenticeships playing an increasingly important role in supporting and developing in-house digital learning teams. We’ve already seen companies enjoy huge benefits where apprentices have introduced new systems and practices, often saving the company time and resources, following their work whilst on the programme.

The need to fill skills gaps, build digital learning strategies and grow teams across every single business has made the DLD apprenticeship an integral and crucial part of developing digital learning departments already. With the programme’s immediate success, it would be fantastic to see more entry level apprenticeship standards within the e-learning and digital learning industry. Creating a path for new and diverse talent to start their careers in online learning and be part of an industry that is only going to become more integral to businesses as it continues to grow.

The Department for Education announced that the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is ‘Skills For Life’. What’s one skill you’ve always wanted to learn and why? 

I have always wanted to learn another language. I have so much appreciation and respect for anyone who can speak more than one language!

What was the last thing you read or watched?

The last thing I watched was Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. David Lynch is one of my favourite directors and have been on a big re-watch of his films and shows since he sadly passed away recently.

If you were on a deserted island, what is the one thing you would take?

I find this question so difficult! Being sensible, I would probably take something that allows me to survive and enjoy as much of my time on a deserted island as possible but in reality, I’d probably take my Nintendo Switch that I’d forget to charge…

If Rob has sparked your interest, explore how to become an Organisational Member or discover more about the Digital Learning Designer Apprenticeship. You can find a comprehensive list of providers here. To get in touch with Rob directly, email him at rob@ldnapprenticeships.com.

Future profiles will feature colleagues involved with Special Interest and Members Groups, CMALT holders and assessors, apprentices and ALT staff. If you are a current member of ALT and would be interested in featuring in an upcoming post or want to recommend someone members would be interested in hearing from, please contact us at blog@alt.ac.uk.