Decoded helps organisations build the data and AI skills they need to thrive in a digital world.
For more than a decade, we’ve worked with leaders, teams and governments across the globe to turn complex technologies into practical capability. Our focus has always been on data and AI, supporting organisations to move beyond awareness and into confident, effective application.
We design and deliver learning that meets people where they are. From short, focused sessions to comprehensive academies and apprenticeships, our programmes are built to support every stage of the learning journey, from first exposure to advanced leadership in digital transformation.
What sets Decoded apart is our emphasis on confidence as much as capability. Learning is live, collaborative and grounded in real organisational challenges, enabling participants to apply new skills immediately and make better decisions from day one.
Beyond individual development, we help organisations embed new ways of working, strengthen digital culture and build lasting capability at scale. The result is not just better technical understanding, but teams and leaders who are equipped to adapt, innovate and deliver meaningful impact.
At Decoded, we specialise in AI, digital and data education, offering transformative, hands-on learning programmes in fields like AI, Python, data analytics, and cybersecurity. With over a decade of experience, we provide a range of offerings, from Bootcamps and Immersions to Academies and Apprenticeships. We empower participants to work with their own data using tools like Power BI and Tableau or by learning Python, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in today’s data-driven world.
Decoded have helped thousands of professionals globally in their digital and data-learning journeys. Our programmes are designed for everyone, from leaders to individuals seeking to re-skill or up-skill.
Decoded has been delivering excellence in digital and data education since 2011.
BKSB assessments, which stand for Basic and Key Skills builder assessments, are assessments designed to indicate a candidates’ competence in English and Maths. These assessments help determine the starting point of learners and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
Decoded ensures that line managers are involved in the admission process for apprenticeship programmes. Line managers play a crucial role in supporting the learner’s success and granting permission for their participation in the programme.
During the application process, you will be asked to review the duties associated with the programme you are applying for. It is crucial that you carefully assess whether you can cover these duties in your day-to-day tasks. By ensuring alignment between the programme requirements and your job responsibilities, you can effectively meet the expectations and fulfil the requirements of the programme.
Functional skills are a set of formal qualifications in English & Maths. If an apprentice is under 19, at the start of their apprenticeship, the Department for Education mandates that apprentices must finish their programme with a Level 2 qualification in English & Maths. If the apprentice is unable to evidence they already hold these qualifications, they will be required to do Functional Skills. If an apprentice is over 19, at the start of their apprenticeship, it will be the decision of the apprentice and their employer if they want to do Functional Skills.
Exemptions to Functional Skills have changed. If an apprentice is under 19, at the start of their apprenticeship, and is unable to demonstrate evidence of holding a Level 2 qualification in maths and English, they will need to take exams called Functional Skills. If an apprentice is over 19, at the start of their apprenticeship, it would be the decision of the apprentice and their employer if they want to do functional skills – even if they do not already hold a Level 2 qualification.
“Off the Job” (OTJ) refers to a crucial aspect of the apprenticeship programme where dedicated time is set aside from your regular work duties to focus on fulfilling apprenticeship responsibilities. Each programme has a minimum number of OTJ hours to be completed during the programme. An apprentice should be completing OTJ regularly but there is no longer a minimum requirement per week, although we would recommend 6 hours per week, which should be completed during contracted working hours.
Each component of the apprenticeship programme has assigned OTJ hours, ensuring that you accumulate the required hours as you progress through the programme. The flexibility of OTJ hours allows you to choose how to allocate them. You can split the hours into a few hours per day or dedicate a full or half day, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Whilst there is no longer a minimum number of hours to complete each week, we would always recommend you adhere to a schedule whenever possible to avoid accumulating a large backlog of OTJ hours. Consistently staying on track with your OTJ hours will help you effectively balance your apprenticeship responsibilities with your regular work duties.
Yes, the job you do plays a significant role in determining which programme you should apply for. Each programme has a number of duties aligned to it, which reflects the tasks you should be completing within your job in order to be successful on programme. As you progress through your apprenticeship, it is essential to provide practical, job-based examples that showcase your application of the knowledge and skills you have acquired. This demonstrates your ability to effectively apply what you have learned in a real-world context.
By incorporating job-based examples into your apprenticeship journey, you can establish a portfolio of work that becomes critical during the Apprenticeship Assessment. This portfolio showcases your practical application of the skills and knowledge gained through the programme, providing evidence of your competence and readiness for the assessment.
If you’d like to learn more about Decoded and how we can help transform your
organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
