AI apprenticeships
Build future-ready AI capability through levy-funded apprenticeships
We help organisations across the UK to close AI skills gaps across their entire workforce. Our programmes empower AI champions to drive change and productivity gains, and technical teams to build innovative AI solutions and automations.
From everyday AI users to strategic business leaders, our AI apprenticeships are designed to help everyone use and adopt AI with confidence.
What it's really like to do an AI & Automation apprenticeship alongside a full-time career
AI & Automation Apprenticeship: Victoria's Experience
Victoria shares her experience studying AI and Automation while working as Head of Finance & Operations, including why she chose the apprenticeship, how she’s applying what she learns to improve processes at work, and what surprised her most about the course.
AI apprenticeship programmes
Designed by experts and trusted by organisations across the UK, our AI apprenticeships are designed to close your AI skills gaps.
Ways to learn
Apprenticeship
Get started with AI apprenticeships
Skilling that works for you
Our AI programmes are designed to fit around the needs of both learners and the businesses.
- Apprentices spend around 80% of their time in their day-to-day role, applying new skills in a real working environment, while the remaining time is dedicated to structured learning, workshops and development activities.
- This means that organisations get the benefit of learners adding continuous learning and capability throughout the length of the programme.
- Our training is designed and created by a team of AI experts, and powered by our industry-leading partnerships with NVIDIA, Microsoft and Databricks.
Build AI capability for the future
Your teams might be using AI, but do they have the capability to scale AI effectively? Research shows that 85% of employees already using AI in some capacity, but without the strategy and guardrails to back up usage, there's a real risk that AI an adoption programme will fail.
Rolling out AI at scale is about more than just giving employees access to new tools. It's about having skilled people who can champion AI, identify opportunities and implement AI responsibly.
AI apprenticeship training provides a practical and cost-effective way to build these skills. Most apprenticeship learning happens on-the-job, so learners are able to apply their new skills in real-time, bringing both personal and business wide impact.
By introducing AI champions and developing wider technical AI skills, businesses can drive productivity growth, accelerate innovation and build a culture of AI transformation.
AI training tailored to every role
We design our training to the needs of your business and your teams. We know that organisations need AI capability at every level; whether you're an everyday AI user, or a senior business leader.
Our team will work closely with you to identify the skills you need most and align with the most suitable courses.
From automating workflows and boosting productivity, to building and developing secure AI solutions and driving AI strategy and change, we give teams of all experience levels and seniority the skills they need to drive real impact with AI.
Fund your AI skills programmes
AI apprenticeships can be funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, helping organisations develop the data and analytical capabilities needed to drive better decision-making across the business.
Levy-paying employers can use available funds to cover training costs, while many non-levy employers can access significant government funding support. This makes apprenticeships a cost-effective way to build in-demand AI skills, upskill existing employees and create an AI-capable workforce for the future.
Support every step of the way
Get in touch and one of our AI apprenticeship experts will help you identify the right programme for your business needs. We'll guide you through funding options, recommend the most suitable programmes and support the onboarding process to get your AI skilling journey underway.
Why QA?
Building AI-ready leaders
How E.ON is combining AI capability with human judgement
See how E.ON is building AI-ready leaders as one of the UK's first adopters of QA's AI Leadership Apprenticeship Unit.
Inside the AI & Automation Apprenticeship
Meet Fred, Principal Apprenticeships Learning Specialist, and Nirosh, Principal Technical Learning Specialist at QA. In this interview, they share what learners can expect from an AI & Automation apprenticeship, how it compares to a traditional degree, how the curriculum keeps up with the rapidly changing world of AI, and why AI skills are becoming increasingly important in the workplace.
Build skills that drive change
Book a consultation with an expert using the form or give us a call:
0113 220 7150 (England)
0141 226 1335 (Scotland)
- The trusted training partner of 3,500+ global organisations
- Our apprenticeships have a 98% learner success rate and an 80% increase in employee retention
- Skills powered by industry-leading partnerships with Microsoft, AWS and NVIDIA
- Collaborate with a team of in-house experts to tailor skills programmes to the needs of your organisation
Talk to us
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AI apprenticeship FAQs
What is an AI apprenticeship?
An AI apprenticeship is a training programme that delivers a range of different AI skills. It combines hands-on workplace experience with instructor-led and online self-paced learning.
AI apprenticeships are suitable for those of any experience level - from career starters to senior business leaders. The main advantage of an apprenticeship in AI is that learners complete most of their learning on-the-job. They build and develop skills in their role, alongside structured learning from experts.
AI apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways for businesses to develop AI skills at scale.
What skills do AI apprentices learn?
AI apprentices develop a blend of skills, depending on the programme they choose.
Most courses include a mix of technical, communication and business-focused skills. This includes:
- AI literacy
- Prompt engineering
- Generative AI
- AI compliance
- AI security
- Automation
- Productivity
- Workflows
- Programming
- Communicating AI
Learners also gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technologies through QA's partnerships with Microsoft and NVIDIA, helping them apply AI tools to improve productivity, streamline workflows and drive innovation in the workplace.
What comes next after an AI apprenticeship?
There is no set pathway for those that take enrol on an AI apprenticeship. Instead, learners are able to take the skills they learn and make a greater impact into their current or future role.
AI apprenticeship programmes are all about empowering learners to become comfortable and confident with AI. This is why they are suitable for such a wide range of roles. The aim is that learners complete their apprenticeship with the skills to enhance their productivity, automate routine tasks and drive greater impact in their day to day job.
These programmes are a great fit for individuals across the workforce, including those in operations, technology, sales, customer service, marketing, HR, finance, data or leadership. Essentially anyone who might interact with AI in their role.
Where does QA offer AI apprenticeships?
QA is one of the largest providers of AI training in the United Kingdom. We employ a team of experts who work hand-in-hand with businesses to deliver first-in-class training online, at your premises or at one of our state of the art training centres.
With training centres in London, Manchester and Scotland, alongside flexible online delivery, we work with employers nationwide to develop AI capability across their workforce.
This allows organisations of all sizes to access high-quality AI training regardless of location.
Why do businesses need AI skills?
AI is rapidly changing the way organisations operate, compete and innovate. Businesses need employees who can identify opportunities for AI, use AI tools effectively, automate processes and implement solutions that deliver measurable value.
Building AI skills across the workforce helps organisations improve productivity, enhance decision-making, accelerate innovation and maximise the return on AI investments.
Which AI apprenticeships are available?
The UK government has recently placed a large emphasis on helping organisations to develop AI skills. To support this, there are now a range of AI-aligned apprenticeship standards.
Digital & AI Support Level 3
This programme is aligned to the Digital Support Technician Standard and is designed to build essential AI capability. Learners will master practical skills in Microsoft Copilot, prompting, automation and will return to their role as a champion of AI usage.
AI & Automation Specialist Level 4
This apprenticeship is aligned to the AI and Automation Practitioner standard is enables the design and deployment of AI solutions. It is for anyone that wants to drive productivity gains, automate workflows and establish effective AI governance.
AI Engineer Level 6
This programme is aligned to the Machine Learning Engineer standard. It is designed for specialists who will build and deploy generative AI and machine learning solutions. This is an advanced programme for those with existing engineering and programming capability.
AI Leader Apprenticeship Units
Apprenticeship units were recently introduced to allow businesses to unlock skills at a greater pace. The AI leader pathways are purpose-built for managers and business leaders and give them the skills to deliver AI strategy, AI governance policy and widescale AI transformation.
What are the benefits of AI apprenticeships for employers?
AI apprenticeships provide a practical and scalable way to build AI capability across an organisation. Rather than relying solely on external recruitment, employers can develop existing employees and new talent with the skills needed to use AI effectively, responsibly and securely.
Apprenticeships also help businesses future-proof their workforce, close emerging skills gaps and ensure they have the capability required to stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.