AI & Automation Specialist Level 4 Apprenticeship
Lead transformation with AI and automation
The AI & Automation Specialist Level 4 Apprenticeship develops the capability to deploy intelligent AI solutions to streamline workflows, eliminate repetitive tasks, and unlock actionable insights, grounded in ethical AI and automation.
Apprentices build the skills to design, implement and optimise AI-powered processes that drive efficiency and innovation, helping organisations accelerate digital transformation and realise measurable business value from AI and automation technologies.
Why choose AI & Automation Specialist?
AI and automation are reshaping how organisations operate. This programme enables learners to design, deploy, and scale responsible AI and automation. Unlock time and cost savings with automated workflows, accelerate innovation with no or low-code tools, and embed AI governance to manage risk and support adoption.
- Scale intelligent automation
- Harness AI responsibly
- Expand workforce adoption
AI & Automation Specialist programme details
Overview
- Details of standard: AI & Automation Practitioner
- Level: 4
- Total cost: £18,000
- Programme duration: 13 months
- Live instructor sessions: 16 days
Featuring pathways across leading AI ecosystems:
Microsoft Copilot
OpenAI
ChatGPT
Anthropic
Claude
Google
Gemini
Entry requirements
- Level 3 Qualification (Apprenticeship/A Levels/BTEC etc.)
- OR equivalent work experience (typically 2 years in a relevant role)
AND - 5 x GCSE’s including English & Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above.
Learner journey
The AI & Automation Specialist programme integrates live and online workshops with self-paced learning, employing a guided discovery approach for individual learner contexts.
Learners are assigned a Digital Learning Consultant (DLC) for personalised coaching and support. These specialists ensure their successful progress, wellbeing, and readiness for assessments.
Modules | 12 months
Module 1: Unlocking Business Transformation with AI & Automation
Module 2: Responsible AI Balancing Speed & Safety
Module 3: Designing Human‑Centred AI & Automation Solutions
Module 4: Empowering Innovation with No/Low‑Code AI & Automation
Low-Code pathway:
- Microsoft
No-Code pathways:
- Microsoft
- Anthropic
- OpenAI
Module 5: Testing & Optimising AI Solutions for Value
Module 6: Driving Adoption: Engaging People in AI & Automation
Assessment
Work-based project
One method from: Presentation, Simulated Task, Professional Discussion, or Portfolio
Optional Certification
- AI Business Professional
- AI Transformation Leader
AI & Automation Practitioner L4 Qualification
You have achieved your qualification.
AI-powered apprenticeships
AI is for everyone, not just technical teams. Every QA apprenticeship programme includes built-in Microsoft Copilot training for every learner.
- No extra cost, no separate programme, just built-in AI modules
- Practical AI training designed for every role
- Develop AI readiness across your organisation
Job roles
This programme is suitable for multiple roles, such as:
- AI Integration Specialist
- Automation Engineer
- RPA Developer
- Power Platform Developer
- Process Automation Analyst
- AI Business Analyst
- Digital Automation Specialist
- Digital Productivity Consultant
- Technology Operations Coordinator
- ML/Ops Support Engineer
- AI Ethics & Governance Officer
- AI Trainer / Data Labeling Lead
Funding
There is no cost to you as an apprentice. Apprenticeships are fully funded through your employer.
If you are an employer, the maximum funding for this programme is £18,000. Expenses for travel to QA centres should be covered by the employer.
Find out how your organisation could benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy.
Tools and technologies
Apprentices will learn to use a variety of tools and technologies, including:
No‑code:
- Microsoft Power Automate
- Microsoft Copilot
- RPA components
- API connectors
- Production flow controls
- Logging and documentation practices
Low‑code:
Microsoft
- GitHub Copilot
- Power Platform
- Python
- Microservices Patterns
- Gemini
- Gemini Enterprise
- ADK
OpenAI
- ChatGPT
- OpenAI API
- Zapier
- Make
Anthropic
- Claude
- Claude Code
- Claude API
Testing and evaluation:
- Azure DevOps Test Plans
- CI/CD release orchestration
- Monitoring dashboards
- Human‑in‑the‑loop review workflows
Engagement and enablement:
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint
- Learning management systems
- Digital adoption platforms.
Digital by Design
Our market-leading approach accelerates skill development and achievement through our Discover, Practise, Apply methodology, ensuring that both learners and employers are fully supported throughout their programme.
Leveraging QA’s learning platform, learners follow a development path focused on their job role.
Learners come together for instructor-led training sessions, practising their skills through hands-on labs and sandboxes in a safe environment.
These learnings are applied through work-based activities at key and sequenced stages, supported by Digital Learning Consultants.
Downloads
Download programme guideHear from our experts
Fred, QA Principal Apprenticeships Learning Specialist, and Nirosh, QA Principal Technical Learning Specialist, share what learners can expect from an AI & Automation apprenticeship.
Hear from our learners
What’s it really like to do an AI & Automation apprenticeship alongside a full-time career?
Victoria shares her experience studying AI and Automation while working as Head of Finance & Operations.
How do the skills you learn as an apprentices tie into your day-to-day role?
Jamie and Tom share their experiences of undertaking the AI & Automation Level 4 apprenticeship.
“What I'd hope that people take out of the program is confidence in being able to navigate the increasingly chaotic environment of AI and everything that goes around it and be able to use it. Because I think everybody needs to be able to use AI and to future-proof themselves.”
“Because I work in the public sector, there are inefficiencies that can be improved. By joining the course I'm trying to understand how, in my specific team, we can create some efficiencies in all of our different workflows and processes... If you're not sure about AI, but you're a little bit curious, then I would suggest this is the best way of trying. Because you're not necessarily fully committing to a lifetime career in AI, but you're learning skills to either automate your life or automate your current workplace.”
“The apprenticeship is giving me the opportunity to harness what is potentially there and what opportunities are within our organisation for AI, and be part of that to move the organisation forward... To me, the opportunity to do an AI apprenticeship means that I can be ahead of the game. I can be an innovator rather than just a consumer of AI technology.”
“The reason I chose to do the AI apprenticeship is because it allows you to do projects regarding the subjects you're learning. If I did it on my own time, I wouldn't have got the exposure to actually be able to use it at work... The trainers have been very enthusiastic and very nice. Anytime I've asked for help, they've been really helpful.”
“An AI apprenticeship will give you the breadth and some of the depth to demystify what the term AI means. The apprenticeship is a really good opportunity for learners to demystify this massive black box that everyone's talking about.”
Apprenticeships, with added flex
Flexible durations. Tailored for you.
Our apprenticeship programme timelines are not set in stone – flexible options for Level 3-5 apprenticeships deliver the skills you need, when you need them. Talk to our experts to find out more.
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