Whilst the UK has the largest e-learning industry in the EU, with more than 400 companies specialising in e-learning for the corporate market generating over £540 million in 2011 there is no clear qualification pathway to train e-learning designers. In addition whilst industry is moving strongly into e-learning there is only limited take up of high quality e-learning and blended learning strategies in further and adult learning as a result of a lack of capability and capacity in the sector.

The Digital Learning Design Apprenticeship has been designed with the employers to address his skills shortage by widening the pool of potential recruits into the industry and providing the first dedicated training route for roles such as: Advanced Digital Learning Assistants, VLE Administrators, E-Learning Support Officers, Technology Enhanced Learning Coordinators, or Digital Learning Assistants.