Christina Lovelock MBCS, takes a thorough look at the Level Four Business Analysis Apprenticeship qualification to explain who it’s for, what’s involved and its benefits.
Whilst working in the NHS, I was involved in implementing a project management apprenticeship programme. The NHS has always really supported apprenticeships and developing talent pipelines, so I started investigating entry routes for business analysts (BAs). There was no national standard, so I created an internal entry level BA role. At the Business Analysis Europe conference in 2014, I spoke about our journey of implementing this role and the benefits it brought. This led to conversations and workshops at the UK BA Manager forum, and we quickly formed a group of employers called a ‘trailblazer group’ to develop the national standard, which went live in 2017.
What does the apprenticeship cover?
It is typically 18 months long, and during this time apprentices have to develop a range of skills, knowledge areas and behaviours. The knowledge and skills elements are focused on BA fundamentals, investigation techniques, stakeholder analysis and management, business process modelling, requirements engineering, data modelling, gap analysis, business impact assessment and business acceptance. There is a minimum of 20% off-the-job training, which usually includes courses from the chosen training provider.
Business analysis roles can really vary — how did you account for that?
It was very important that a range of employers were involved in the creation and later the review of the standard, in 2021. Because business analysis can look quite different across different organisations, we had to really focus on the core elements of the role to be part of the standard. Of course, employers can still get their apprentices involved in a wide range of projects and initiatives, to make sure they have the skills and experience relevant to their specific role and organisation.
How is the BA standard assessed?
There are two assessment methods which can be completed in any order. Apprentices must create a portfolio of work during their apprenticeship, and this is used as the basis for a professional discussion with an independent end point assessor. In addition to that, apprentices create a project proposal which allows them to use many of their business analysis tools and techniques. They create a report, deliver a presentation and answer questions from the assessor.
How does the standard look to the future?
The standard is methodology agnostic; for example, apprentices must have the knowledge to describe the principles, features and differences of waterfall and agile methodologies, but the approaches they actually use will be down to their organisation’s working practices. The standard also expects apprentices to be aware of industry trends and keep up with their own professional development, but doesn’t specify what those trends are, as of course new things emerge and develop. Right now, a lot of organisations are considering how AI will impact their processes and policies, so this is a key topic for many current apprentices.
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Who is it open to?
There is no upper age limit on apprenticeships! All apprentices must have a level two qualification in English and Maths (for example GCSE level), but anyone who does not already hold this can study for it alongside the apprenticeship. Many organisations are using levy funding and this standard successfully to develop both new and existing staff members.
What advice do you have for employers?
There is never a good time to implement an apprentice programme or talent pipeline – you just have to start doing it! It brings so many benefits — for the apprentices obviously, inthat they have an opportunity to follow a structured learning pathway into a brilliant career, but also for teams and organisations. Make sure you carefully select a training provider that you trust, as this is a key decision in ensuring the programme works for apprentices and the employer.
Conclusion
Business analysis is a critical capability for organisations, and the apprenticeship is a great way to ensure that workforces of the future have a structured and supported route into the profession. This standard has one of the best gender parity rates of all the digital route apprenticeships, and apprenticeships in general are a proven way to increase the diversity of the workforce.
About the author
Christina Lovelock is a digital leader, coach and author. She is active in the Business Analysis professional community and champions entry level roles. She is the author of the BCS books Careers in Tech, Data and Digital and Delivering Business Analysis: The BA Service Handbook.
