Building the capability local government needs to turn complex structural change into better services, stronger outcomes and lasting public value. 

The Level 6 Service Designer Apprenticeship develops the practical capability councils need to deliver meaningful, sustainable reform. Co‑designed with Grant Thornton and delivered by Estu, the programme blends academic rigour with real‑world insight to equip professionals to design services at scale and lead confidently through complexity. Tailored for those shaping local government transformation, it enables organisations to turn structural change into improved services, clearer experiences and measurable impact. 

Who is this programme for?

This apprenticeship is designed for professionals already shaping transformation within local government and ready to step into more strategic, system‑wide responsibility. It supports individuals whose organisations need them to lead confidently through reorganisation, redesign services at scale and translate structural change into tangible outcomes. 

It’s a great fit for:

  • Policy and strategy professionals driving reform and service improvement.  
  • Digital, data and innovation leads supporting modernisation and new operating models.
  • Programme and change directors managing complex, multistakeholder transformation.  
  • Senior operational managers responsible for redesigning services during and after reorganisation. 

What will they learn?

Learners develop the practical capability to design services at scale, lead confidently through complex change and deliver measurable impact during and after reorganisation. The programme builds advanced skills that directly address the challenges councils face, integrating services, modernising delivery models, and improving citizen and staff experience. 

They’ll build expertise in: 

  • Service blueprinting, journey mapping and experience‑led design.
  • Using data, digital tools and emerging technologies responsibly in service transformation.
  • Prototyping, testing and iterating solutions to shape effective, scalable services.  
  • Leading change, influencing stakeholders and navigating political and operational complexity. 

Key facts

Level 
Level 6 (degree‑level) professional apprenticeship
Qualification 
Service Designer (Degree Apprenticeship) – tailored for Local Government  
Duration 
12 months plus End Point Assessment (EPA) 
Provider 
Delivered by Estu; co‑designed with Grant Thornton 
Entry Requirements 
Professionals already working in or alongside local government, involved in transformation, service redesign, digital, policy or operational change roles. 
Schedule 
Primarily online learning with quarterly in‑person collaboration and networking sessions. 
Delivery 
A structured blend of seminars, masterclasses, one‑to‑one coaching, workplace projects and applied learning aligned to live reorganisation activity.
Programme Content 
Covers service design foundations, design thinking, digital and data‑enabled practice, innovation, leadership, change delivery, ethical and sustainable design, advanced methods and preparation for EPA. 
Assessment 
Ongoing progress reviews, applied workplace projects, portfolio development and End Point Assessment. 
Fees and funding  
£15,000 Fully funded via the Apprenticeship Levy 

 Key benefits 

Build transformation capability 

Develops a confident, skilled cadre of practitioners able to design services at scale and lead through complex reorganisation, reducing reliance on external support 

Deliver better services faster 

Applies live learning to real organisational priorities, accelerating service redesign, improving citizen and staff experience, and ensuring reform delivers measurable outcomes.

Strengthen future‑ready leadership 

Equips teams with data‑driven, user‑centered and ethically grounded design capability to navigate uncertainty, modernise operating models and embed sustainable change 

Take the next step 

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