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
- OpenAI
- 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 guide
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.
What our learners say
“Originally I was trying to get into med school but couldn’t garner enough funding. I had heard about apprenticeships in school before so I thought I should give that a try. Now, I’m getting paid to learn something I love to do and I really do feel I could become anything and that the sky’s the limit. I think apprenticeships are inclusive, flexible, and challenging.”
“I have always had an interest in computer science and becoming a software developer, so this programme has given me a fantastic opportunity to get real-world experience and regular training in this field. For me to be working in an office, alongside senior software developers, absorbing knowledge on a daily basis has been crucial for my own development.”
AI skills. Built in.
Microsoft Copilot in all apprenticeship programmes
AI is for everyone, not just technical teams. Every QA apprenticeship includes Microsoft Copilot training for every learner, at no extra cost, delivering AI readiness that benefits your entire organisation.
Related programmes
Contact us today or give us a call
Become an apprentice
If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can get in touch with us via our apprenticeship platform.