The UK faces a growing challenge of ambitious young people with over 1m not in education, employment or training, whilst businesses face an increasing digital skills gap in available talent for employers
QA and Microsoft
Building the next generation of talent
QA is proud to be working with Microsoft to create the next generation of Microsoft talent, helping build AI ready talent at scale.
We have a 15 year partnership with Microsoft where together we've launched over 40,000 careers.
As the UK’s largest digital and tech training partner, QA combines apprenticeships, instructor-led training and a catalogue of over 1,200 courses and certifications. We help businesses develop talent and tailor learning to individual and organisational needs.
The apprenticeship opportunity
By using your Apprenticeship Levy, you develop capabilities and access future talent you need while creating meaningful early-career opportunities in digital and AI
not in education, employment, or training
Source: GOV.UK
are willing to take on an apprentice
Source: GOV.UK
from hiring an apprentice
Source: QA apprentices survey
stay in employment after completing the programme
Source: QA apprentices survey
“If you give people the right tools, they'll surprise you with what is possible”
Microsoft believes AI skills are now “a licence to participate” in the economy, yet many smaller businesses are struggling to access the skills needed to adopt AI effectively. Meanwhile too many young people – and disadvantaged regions – remain disconnected from the opportunities offered by AI.
Microsoft and QA are committed to supporting the UK Government's AI Skills Boost initiative, which aims to upskill 10 million workers in AI by 2030.
We're helping organisations build AI capability while opening pathways from diverse backgrounds into sustainable tech careers and revitalising disadvantaged regions with AI-driven growth.
“We will only make a success of AI if everyone has the skills, confidence, and equal opportunity to participate in it.”
Darren Hardman – CEO, Microsoft UK & Ireland
Microsoft AI Apprenticeships
Digital and AI Support Level 3
The Digital & AI Support Level 3 Apprenticeship brings together AI, Microsoft Copilot and broader digital skills to provide support and advice to users across a wide range of business software and Generative AI applications.
Microsoft AI and Automation Apprenticeship
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.
AI For Leaders Apprenticeship Units
Designed for leaders responsible for growth, innovation and transformation, AI Leadership Units provide the skills to identify AI opportunities, accelerate adoption, strengthen governance and deliver lasting competitive advantage.
Microsoft Data Apprenticeships
Microsoft Data Essentials Level 3
The Data Essentials Level 3 Programme transforms data citizens into data specialists by building analytical confidence and accelerating skills in data literacy, visualisation, and storytelling.
Data Analyst Level 4 With Power Bi
The Data Analyst Level 4 programme equips organisations with critical skills for effective data analysis, applying statistics and modelling to improve predictions and unlock valuable business insights.
Data Engineer Level 5
Data Engineer Level 5 covers the in-demand knowledge and skills crucial for the proficient design, development, and management of complex data systems.
The QA view
How England can create more inclusive growth in an AI-enabled economy, by strengthening the connections between employers, education providers, civic institutions, technology partners, and communities.
“London’s plans to prepare workers for AI-driven change reflect what QA’s analysis of AI readiness across UK sectors has found: AI adoption is accelerating, but workforce skills, confidence, and capability aren’t keeping pace.”
“The government is signalling that AI skills matter. With AI adoption and workforce capability central to its growth agenda, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham being a long-standing advocate for skills and technical education, the direction of travel is clear.”
Transparity apprenticeships
More than a training programme
How Transparity is helping people build careers through apprenticeships, opportunity, and long-term talent development.
Tom and Jamie's experience
How do the skills learned on an apprenticeship tie into day-to-day roles?
Jamie and Tom share their experiences of undertaking the AI & Automation apprenticeship alongside their careers, including why they chose AI, how they're applying what they learn at work, and how their roles are beginning to change as a result.
More Apprenticeships
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)