IT apprenticeships
Upskill your IT and infrastructure team by developing existing employees and bringing in new talent, with levy-funded training
Our programmes give your teams the skills to design and maintain modern networks, cloud environments and critical IT infrastructure.
QA apprenticeships are backed by decades of cloud computing and IT apprenticeship expertise and trusted by over 4,000 organisations worldwide.
Cloud and IT apprenticeship programmes
Designed by experts and trusted by organisations across the UK, our IT apprenticeships help you build the skills to manage networks, strengthen IT infrastructure and drive tech-based growth.
Ways to learn
Apprenticeship
Get started with IT apprenticeships
Skilling that works for you
Our 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 programmes are tailored to your needs and designed to support your specific IT and cloud transformation challenges. We help businesses to build a skill strategy that suits their needs and drives the most commercial impact.
Build IT and cloud-based capability
As organisations accelerate cloud adoption and integrate AI-powered technologies, demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow. Skills England estimates that employment across digital and technology occupations could increase by around 380,000 workers by 2035, while employers already report significant skills shortages across technical and engineering roles.
Through our strategic partnerships with Microsoft and AWS, learners gain exposure to the technologies, platforms and best practices that power modern IT environments.
By investing in IT and infrastructure talent, organisations can develop the technical capability needed to ensure that current and future digital and AI transformation projects are as successful as possible.
Future-ready IT skills
Our IT, cloud and AI apprenticeships are built to support teams that manage an increasingly interconnected and complex set of solutions and ecosystems.
This means that they support a wide variety of roles and individual specialisms, helping you to ensure the right learners are on the right programme at the right time.
Whether you're modernising legacy systems, adopting cloud-first approaches or embracing AI-driven automation, our apprenticeships help build the skills and capability needed to support long-term digital growth.
Fund your skills programmes
IT apprenticeships can be funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, helping organisations upskill existing employees or develop new talent in critical roles across IT and cloud infrastructure.
Levy-paying employers can use available funds to cover training costs, while many non-levy employers can access significant government funding support, making it a cost-effective way to build long-term capability.
Support every step of the way
Get in touch and one of our apprenticeship experts will help you identify the right programme for your business needs. We'll guide you through funding options, recommend the most suitable IT programmes and support the onboarding process to get your learners started as quickly as possible.
Why QA?
Apprenticeships expertise, assured.
Through expert guidance and innovative tech, we offer unrivalled support at every step of your journey.
From onboarding to completion, businesses benefit from dedicated support teams, AI-powered learning assistance, live chat, employer portals and real-time progress visibility, ensuring apprentices stay engaged, supported and on track to deliver impact.
Abdullah's Story - Data Technician Apprentice
From working part-time at McDonald’s to building databases and presenting key insights at United Utilities, Oli’s Level 4 Data Analytics Apprenticeship has transformed his career path.
Apprenticeship testimonials and learner stories
“We’ve been blown away with the quality of the candidates that have been put in front of us. If these candidates are representative of the level of the capabilities that are coming out of the schools in Scotland I think we are in an extremely good place as a nation and a tech nation for the future.”
“We’re creating a level playing field with QA. We can bring employees in from stores and build up their foundations in data. We have amazing opportunities in our technology team, like consumer analytics.”
“We chose QA because of their ability to tailor apprenticeship programmes to suit our specific needs.”
“We highly recommend apprenticeship programmes to any businesses that have yet to explore this opportunity.”
“Apprenticeships are a good opportunity for individuals looking to make a career in IT. We see apprenticeships as investing in young people. We like the idea of growing our own talent within the company. This gives them a good grounding on learning, and gives us time to make sure they are the right people for our company.”
“We did not expect apprentices to move into core roles so quickly!”
Build skills that drive change
For over 40 years, our training programmes have helped businesses and individuals to grow and drive digital transformation.
- 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
Fill out the form below and one of our experts will be touch shortly. Or give us a call: 0113 220 7150 (England) | 0141 226 1335 (Scotland)
IT apprenticeship FAQs
What is an IT apprenticeship?
An IT apprenticeship combines hands-on experience with structured training, enabling learners to develop technical skills while working in a real role.
It is a cost-effect way for organisations to bring in new IT talent, and support the upskilling of existing team members. Because learners spend most of their time on-the-job, they are able to apply their new skills and make an instant impact.
Apprenticeships can also support learners on their career journey into IT and related specialisms, such as cloud computing, AI-based solutions and cyber security.
What IT and cloud apprenticeships are available?
QA offers a range of IT and cloud apprenticeship programmes designed to support organisations at different stages of digital maturity, including:
- Network Engineer Level 4
- Cloud Specialist Level 3
- BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship
- IT Support SCQF Level 8 (Scotland)
- Network Infrastructure SCQF Level 8 (Scotland)
These programmes help organisations develop talent across IT support, networking, cloud infrastructure, digital operations and technology leadership.
What skills do IT and cloud apprentices learn?
IT and cloud apprentices develop practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace, including network configuration, cloud technologies, troubleshooting, infrastructure management, IT service delivery, security awareness and digital operations. Learners also gain experience with the tools and platforms used by modern technology teams.
As part of our commitment to helping organisations prepare for the future of work, all learners receive training in Microsoft Copilot and AI productivity skills, helping them understand how to use generative AI safely and effectively to improve efficiency, automate routine tasks and enhance decision-making.
What comes next after an IT apprenticeship?
An IT apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a wide range of technology careers. Depending on their pathway, learners may progress into roles such as IT Support Technician, Network Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Systems Administrator, Technical Consultant or Digital Technology Manager.
Many learners also continue their professional development through industry-recognised certifications. Popular progression routes include Microsoft Azure certifications, such as Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator, AWS certifications such as AWS Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect, as well as infrastructure and networking certifications including CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+, and Cisco CCNA.
Where does QA offer IT apprenticeships?
QA delivers IT apprenticeships across the UK, supporting employers of all sizes in both public and private sectors. We have major training centres in London, Manchester and Scotland, while working with organisations nationwide through a blend of online learning, workplace application and expert-led training. This enables employers across the UK to access high-quality technology talent and skills development regardless of location.
Why do businesses need IT and cloud capability?
Modern organisations rely on resilient IT infrastructure and cloud platforms to support operations, drive innovation and deliver great customer experiences. As businesses adopt AI, automation and cloud-first strategies, the demand for skilled technology professionals continues to grow.
Developing IT and cloud capability helps organisations improve operational efficiency, strengthen system reliability, support digital transformation and maximise the return on technology investments.