Additional Professional Qualifications
⚡Included with Apprenticeships
At LearnTech, we’re committed to helping employers and apprentices get even more value from their apprenticeship programme. That’s why all of our programmes from Level 3 to Level 5 now include additional, relevant, accredited qualifications, at no extra cost to employers or apprentices.
We’ve also enhanced our Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeship with an optional Level 7 AI Data Specialist Accelerated Programme top-up, available at cost price – or free for NHS Trusts and more.
These carefully selected, optional qualifications are designed to complement apprenticeship learning, helping apprentices develop specialist skills and build confidence in their roles. For employers, they offer further opportunity to strengthen capability within their teams and maximise the return on investment from apprenticeship training.
Depending on the programme, apprentices can access professional qualifications worth up to £1,499 + VAT each, included at no additional cost as part of their apprenticeship experience.
Overview Table
Browse the table below to see which optional professional qualifications are available as part of our Level 3 – Level 5 apprenticeship programmes
Upcoming Start Dates – BCS & Microsoft
These courses are delivered online via Microsoft Teams over 2-4 working days – one day per week, across the required number of weeks
ℹ️ Please note: Around 8 weeks into their training, apprentices will receive an email with information on how to book their courses.
❌ These do not form part of the apprenticeship off-the-job training.
Category Colour Key
(days)
2026
2026
2026
2026
2027
2027
2027
2027
2027
2027
2027
2027
Fri 27
Mon 25
Mon 1
Mon 26
Mon 19
Mon 23
Fri 22
Mon 12
Fri 16
Fri 11
Mon 30
Mon 7
Fri 11
Mon 23
Fri 13 &
Fri 20
Mon 15 &
Mon 22
Fri 16 &
Fri 23
(days)
Fri 27
Mon 25
Mon 1
Mon 26
Mon 19
Mon 23
Fri 22
Mon 12
Fri 16
Fri 11
Mon 30
Mon 7
Fri 11
Mon 23
Fri 13 &
Fri 20
Mon 12 &
Mon 22
Fri 16 &
Fri 23
Infrastructure & Networking and IT Solutions Programmes
CompTIA and Cisco qualifications included within our Infrastructure & Networking and IT Solutions apprenticeship programmes are fully integrated into the apprenticeship training, so no additional learning time needs to be allocated.
✅ These do form part of the apprenticeship off-the-job training.
🧠 Exams are only applicable to apprentices undertaking the CompTIA A+ or Cisco CCNA qualifications.
Once an apprentice has successfully completed their apprenticeship and entered the Gateway stage, the Exams Team will contact them to confirm whether they wish to sit the relevant qualification exam.
If they choose to proceed, the Exams Team will provide an exam voucher, which can be used to book and pay for the exam.
For further information about course content, please refer to the links below. Employers can also contact their Account Manager for programme-specific information, while apprentices can discuss any questions with their tutors and mentors throughout their programme.
ℹ️ Please note: All qualifications listed below are available to apprentices at no additional cost. The associated learning is included as part of the apprenticeship – however, taking the exam to gain the qualification is optional.
🔐 Cisco – IT Essentials
Cisco IT Essentials forms part of the apprenticeship programme and helps apprentices develop practical skills in hardware, software, networking and cybersecurity.
💻 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Apprentices will be offered the opportunity to sit the CCNA exam following Gateway, typically around months 14 – 15 of the Level 4 Network Engineer programme.
Through this three-course series, apprentices can develop the knowledge and practical skills required for associate-level roles such as Network Administrator, Systems Administrator or Network Engineer.
View syllabus: CCNA: Introduction to Networks
View syllabus: CCNA: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
View syllabus: CCNA: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
🖥️ CompTIA A+
Apprentices will be offered the opportunity to sit the CompTIA A+ Core 1 & Core 2 exams following Gateway, typically around months 13 – 14 of either the Level 3 Information Communications Technician OR the Level 3 IT Solutions Technician programmes.
CompTIA Core 1 covers essential hardware, networking and device fundamentals and Core 2 covers operating systems and security. Both help apprentices build the knowledge needed for a career in IT.
🤖 Cisco Introduction to Modern AI
This self-paced online course from Cisco Networking Academy helps apprentices develop an understanding of AI and its practical applications in the workplace.
Apprentices will explore key AI concepts and learn how to use AI tools effectively, including developing prompts for AI-powered assistants and chatbots.
Frequently Asked Questions
📜 Which professional qualifications are included with each apprenticeship?
You can view our apprenticeship course list to see which professional qualifications are included with each programme or browse the overview table below for a quick comparison.
✱ Are these qualifications mandatory?
No. All additional professional qualifications are optional and are not required to successfully complete the apprenticeship programme.
🟢 When can apprentices book onto these qualifications?
Information on how to register for the BCS and Microsoft qualifications will be shared by our Courses Coordinator approximately eight weeks after the start of the apprenticeship.
Apprentices will receive an email containing details of the courses available to them, along with a Microsoft booking form link where they can select their preferred course and dates. We will also provide any additional guidance required to support the registration process.
🖥️ How are the qualifications delivered?
The qualifications are delivered through live online training sessions via Microsoft Teams, unless otherwise stated.
📅 How long do they take to complete?
BCS and Microsoft qualifications are delivered over 2 – 4 training days, typically spread across several weeks (for example, one day per week). Apprentices should also expect to complete approximately 30 – 50 hours of independent learning per qualification. This additional learning does not form part of apprenticeship off-the-job training requirements.
CompTIA and Cisco qualifications have the learning fully integrated into the training, so no additional days need to be allocated for these. This additional learning does form part of apprenticeship off-the-job training requirements.
ℹ️ What do the exams look like and how are they booked?
Our Courses Coordinator supports all apprentices with booking their examinations, should they wish to take them. Information about the exams and the booking process is provided during the relevant courses by the trainer.
All exams are multiple-choice, online invigilated assessments and can be booked for a date and time that suits the apprentice and their employer.
Mock examinations are provided to help apprentices prepare for these exams.
📑 Will apprentices receive a certificate?
Yes. Apprentices will receive a certificate upon successful completion of a qualification and any associated assessment or exam.
🔄 Can apprentices choose different qualifications than those specified for their programme?
In some cases, alternative qualifications may be available. Please contact courses@learn-tech.com to discuss the options for your programme.
➕ Do these qualifications cost anything extra?
No. All included qualifications are provided at no additional cost to the employer or apprentice.
If an apprentice wishes to take any additional courses from the options available, these can be funded either by the employer or by the apprentice directly.
For more information, please contact courses@learn-tech.com
❓ Do these qualifications affect the apprenticeship programme?
No. These qualifications are designed to complement the apprenticeship and provide additional development opportunities. They do not replace any apprenticeship requirements or assessments.
🕒 When do the qualifications run?
Please refer to the Upcoming Start Dates table above for upcoming BCS and Microsoft qualification dates and availability.
CompTIA and Cisco qualifications do not have separate course dates, as the learning is fully integrated within the apprenticeship programme.
⭐ Why should apprentices complete these qualifications?
Professional qualifications provide an opportunity to develop additional skills, gain recognised credentials and enhance career progression opportunities alongside the apprenticeship programme.
👏 Why should employers encourage participation?
These qualifications can help apprentices build specialist knowledge more quickly, increase confidence in their role and apply new skills directly in the workplace. As they’re included at no additional cost, they provide an excellent opportunity to maximise the value of apprenticeship training.
🙋 Can these be purchased for other staff members who aren't doing an apprenticeship?
Yes! Most of our BCS and Microsoft professional qualifications can also be booked separately – see Professional Courses in the main menu, or contact us for more information / bespoke training options.
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Why employers choose LearnTech…
Employer comments
Employing tech apprentices enable career development and allows for better integration into the team and organisation.
It’s really good to see the appetite to learn from them and they exceed our expectations.
Our experience with LearnTech has been excellent.
I’d advise other employers considering taking on an apprentice to ensure the apprenticeship is planned out as much as possible and use mentors to help make it a success.
Bringing a UX apprentice into our team has delivered clear benefits and has helped us address a long-standing challenge in recruiting people with the right skills locally.
After struggling to find candidates with the UX capabilities and practical experience we needed, we made the decision to 'grow our own talent' and Jess has proven herself to be a really valuable member of the team.
She’s been productive from day one, reducing pressure on existing staff.
Jenny Syrett
Senior UX Manager
LearnTech has been an outstanding partner in supporting our learning and development goals.
Every member of their team is dedicated to the success of learners, creating an experience that is not only professional but truly impactful.
This learner-centred approach makes their services stand out and ensures that individuals feel supported throughout their journey.
We highly value their expertise and collaborative spirit in meeting the council’s needs.
Agnes Bailey
OD Consultant
Dylan was the first apprentice we’d taken on, and it was as much a learning experience for the company as for him.
It has certainly sold us on the benefits of apprenticeships, and we see it as a great way to recruit and develop new employees. The return on investment is worth it, but it’s also great to be able to do something to help people get started in the industry.
Dylan was our first apprentice, he definitely won’t be the last.
Jon Gooch
Senior Developer
We’ve been employing tech apprentices for a couple of years and the benefits are clear - career development, an improved training culture, better skills across the team and valuable knowledge sharing. We’ve seen returns as early as mid-course, with full ROI within a year.
The most rewarding part is watching apprentices grow and support colleagues, while consistently meeting our expectations. On completion of their apprenticeship, they typically go on to special projects with potential for career progression.
Our advice to other employers - keep apprenticeships part of daily conversations, not just for quarterly reviews. Embed their learning into day-to-day activities.
Our experience with LearnTech has been great, and we’ve enjoyed working with them.
Our experience with tech apprenticeships is positive. Apprentices contribute to career development and improve our training culture. We typically see a return on investment within six months and they often exceed our expectations, taking on greater responsibility.
The most rewarding aspect is seeing their growth, personally and professionally. For example, Matt began his apprenticeship two years ago, has gone from strength to strength, achieved a Distinction and is now employed as a Data Analyst. His willingness to learn has been invaluable.
I encourage other employers to explore all the apprenticeships LearnTech offers - our experience with them has been very good.
Oliver Hosking
Senior Data Analyst
We've been employing tech apprentices for over three years and the most rewarding part is watching them grow, taking ownership of projects and eventually running with them independently. Our apprentices consistently exceed expectations, often taking on more responsibility than originally outlined. Zeb and Ellie, for example, have earned promotions within the company and distinctions across three apprenticeships.
LearnTech has been a great training partner. Our apprentices are happy and we've been consistently impressed with their progress. My advice to other employers - give your apprentices every opportunity to grow and prove themselves. The results speak for themselves.
Adam Archer
Intelligence Delivery Team Lead
We've been super happy with LearnTech as a provider. As this is our first time employing apprentices within our organisation, the pathway from the day 1 engagement, through onboarding and into the apprenticeship programme itself has been clear and well supported.
Our apprentices have brought new and fresh perspectives into the business. Their innovative ideas help keep us current and complement our more experienced team members. It's great to have a pipeline or new talent, whom we can help nurture and grow, and we hope our apprentices will want to forge long term careers with us.
Caroline Topper
COO
We’ve been employing tech apprentices for over two years. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to bring in short-term, funded roles that allow us to assess candidates' potential for permanent positions.
The most rewarding aspect is watching individuals at the start of their careers develop valuable skills and experience, that will stand them in good stead for the future.
LearnTech has been very good to work with. For other employers, I’d advise being clear on the level of apprenticeship you recruit for. It makes a significant difference to the apprentice’s starting point and their ability to contribute.
Service Portfolio Manager
Throughout the cohort with LearnTech, our apprentices have been supported and nourished as learners. The weekly classroom sessions have worked wonderfully with our apprentices being able to ask relevant questions when it matters.
Throughout their journey, their mentor has been a massive help of ensuring our apprentices are on target and raising concerns when needed. So much so, we have requested them to mentor our next cohort of apprentices. We look forward to another fantastic year with LearnTech!
Ash Lavington
Service Desk Manager
Our experience with LearnTech as our training provider has been great. For employers considering a tech apprentice, my advice is to plan meaningful, engaging projects that not only interest the apprentice but also provide real value to the team.
Vikki Armstrong
Head of Digital Relationship Management
Calum, achieved a distinction in his apprenticeship and has become a trusted team member, regularly taking on additional responsibilities. LearnTech has been amazing. Georgina has kept me well-informed throughout and I’m grateful for the support throughout.
For any employer considering a tech apprentice, I’d say it’s a truly rewarding experience.
Our experience with LearnTech has been very good—professional service, knowledgeable trainers, and positive feedback from our apprentice throughout. We’re already planning to take on more apprentices through LearnTech in the future. They have given a professional, high-quality service, with our apprentice finding the course good and the trainer knowledgeable.
Tom Broadbent
Head of Digital Transformation
Apprenticeships support career development, strengthen our workplace culture and align well with our focus on renewables and training. The most rewarding part is watching apprentices grow in confidence and learn to collaborate with others. Typically, they take on additional responsibility through project work alongside their formal training, and many go on to further training or receive promotions.
Our experience with LearnTech has been great - straightforward and supportive throughout. To employers considering a tech apprentice - make sure you truly have the time to train them properly or a reliable team who can. The effort is absolutely worth it.
