How Leep Talent equips learners with hands-on AI and data skills with DataCamp

The challenge: equipping apprentices with practical AI and data skills

Leep Talent, formerly known as Just IT, trains the UK's technology workforce through apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, and commercial learning programmes.

Its learners work in roles including Data Technician, Data Analyst, and AI and Automation Practitioner, supporting employers ranging from NHS trusts and local authorities to leading private-sector organisations.

For Leep, success goes beyond helping apprentices achieve their qualification. The goal is to prepare learners with workplace-ready data and AI skills, and the confidence to continue developing them throughout their careers. That requires opportunities to practise outside scheduled training sessions using learning content that evolves alongside the rapidly changing technology landscape.

Many of Leep's employer clients, particularly within the NHS and local government, also operate under strict IT policies. Any learning platform must be browser-based, accessible, and require no software installation on learners' devices.

The solution: DataCamp built into every module

Dan Petrusow, Leep's Head of Curriculum, rebuilt the curriculum with DataCamp woven in at every stage. Today, every module across all three of Leep’s core programs—Data Technician Level 3, Data Analyst Level 4, and the newly launched AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4—includes a DataCamp course before and after each workshop session.

Alongside recommended courses aligned to each module, every learner receives full access to the DataCamp library. This combination of structured learning and self-directed exploration allows apprentices to deepen their knowledge in areas that support both their studies and long-term career goals.

Because DataCamp is entirely browser-based, learners can access training regardless of workplace IT restrictions, making it suitable even for highly regulated public-sector environments.

AI content that stays current

As demand for AI skills continues to grow, Leep has expanded its offering with the AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4 apprenticeship and new Level 5 AI apprenticeship units.

DataCamp's AI curriculum complements Leep's own programme development, helping learners stay up to date with emerging tools, techniques, and best practices.

"We know DataCamp’s content is correct, up-to-date, and fully vetted, and that’s a huge selling point for us," says Dan. "With other providers, you can't always guarantee that everything's created by an expert. With DataCamp, we know that the content will be highly relevant, and our learners will be able to use the concepts they learn in their workplace."

For public-sector learners in particular, Microsoft's AI ecosystem is increasingly important. Many of Leep's employer clients standardise on Microsoft technologies, making DataCamp's Copilot content directly relevant to learners' day-to-day work.

Trainers upskilling alongside learners

The benefits extend beyond apprentices. Leep’s trainers use DataCamp regularly to keep their own skills sharp and stay on top of the latest concepts being used in the field today. 

"Our trainers have access to DataCamp and they regularly upskill themselves to deliver our training through it," says Dan. "Yusuf practically lives on DataCamp. Everyone else tries to keep up with him on XP but no one can touch him."

The result: DataCamp at the heart of how Leep teaches

Today, DataCamp is fully embedded in how Leep delivers its apprenticeship programmes and is a clear selling point with employers. Learners arrive at every workshop better prepared and leave with a platform they can keep using long after their apprenticeship ends, with content that stays current.

Access to DataCamp's extensive content library has also helped Leep support customers through technology change. When a major automotive client migrated from Tableau to Power BI, Leep was able to combine learning content for both platforms, allowing learners to build new skills while applying their existing knowledge. 

Leep is now exploring new ways to use DataCamp's reporting capabilities to drive learner engagement. Dan is building Power BI dashboards connected to DataCamp’s API to track learner progress across all programs, and plans to introduce gamification to drive deeper engagement with the platform.

"We can now actively track learner progress and we’re going to try to gamify learners using the platform a lot more," says Dan. "We could only do that with the data connectivity that DataCamp provides."