Due to government funding changes we are no longer offering this programme. Try AI Engineer Level 6 for an alternative or view all AI apprenticeships
AI Data Specialist Level 7 Apprenticeship
AI transforms data into strategic advantage, driving innovation
The Level 7 Artificial Intelligence Data Specialist apprenticeship programme enables learners to develop deep technical knowledge in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data, to enable the creation of tailored AI solutions.
Trusted by 7,000+ organisations globally
Why choose our AI Data Specialist Level 7 apprenticeship?
AI Data Specialists carry out applied research in order to innovate artificial intelligence solutions for specific business problems, working with datasets that are too large or complex for traditional techniques.
Equip your organisation with the skills to innovate data-driven AI solutions that automate and optimise business processes - helping humans make the big decisions.
- Champion AI
- Enhance human decision-making
- Execute applied research
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.
Programme Overview
- Details of standard: AI Data Specialist
- Level: 7
- Total cost: £17,000
- Programme duration: 21 months
- Live instructor sessions: 17 days
Entry requirements
Standard Entry Requirements
Applicants will usually have obtained: an honours degree (2:2 or above) in an appropriate discipline, or with the appropriate aptitude for a role in technology.
Non-standard entry with work experience
Relevant qualifications and/or work experience will be taken into consideration where the applicant has the judged potential to benefit from the programme. Requests will be considered on an individual basis where appropriate.
Informal Interviews
Informal interviews will be held where
- The suitability of a candidate is in doubt and further evidence is sought.
- The candidate presents an unusual set of qualifications taken or pending, and an appropriate conditional offer needs to be determined.
- Candidates may need advice on the appropriateness of the programme.
Applicants invited for an informal interview will always be informed of its purpose.
Learner journey
The AI Data 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 | 15 months
Module 1: Data Science Principlies (10 weeks)
Module 2: AI and Data Science Professional Practice (40 weeks)
Module 3: Programming for Artificial Intelligence (10 weeks)
Module 4: Machine Learning Using Cloud Computing (10 weeks)
Module 5: AI and Digital Innovation (10 weeks)
Module 6: Disruptive Leadership for Sustainable Strategy (10 weeks)
EPA | 6 months
Project report with presentation
Professional discussion
Technical test
IfATE AI7 qualification awarded
You have achieved your qualification
ACE Team
Our Academic COmmunity of Excellence (ACE) team supports learners with writing styles, reading stategies, referencing, and more.
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 Strategy Manager
- AI Engineer
- AI Specialist
- Director AI
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Machine Learning Specialist
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 £17,000. 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:
Statistics and visualistion
- Python
- Excel
- Power BI
Machine learning
- Python
- Sklearn
- NLTK
- Tesnorflow & Keras
Cloud services
- AWS
- Azure
- GCP
Foundation models
- OpenAI
- Hugging Face
Development environments
- Google Colab
- Anaconda
- Alternative environments available
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.
Discover
Leveraging QA’s learning platform, learners follow a development path focused on their job role.
Practise
Learners come together for instructor-led training sessions, practising their skills through hands-on labs and sandboxes in a safe environment.
Apply
These learnings are applied through work-based activities at key and sequenced stages, supported by Digital Learning Consultants.
“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.”
Related programmes
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