Artificial Intelligence & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship
Develop the practical skills to identify, design and implement artificial intelligence and automation solutions that improve productivity, reduce repetitive work and support responsible digital transformation across an organisation.
When You Know AI Could Save Time but Do Not Know Where to Start
Many organisations are experimenting with AI, but there is a significant difference between employees occasionally using an AI tool and an organisation developing genuine AI and automation capability. This apprenticeship helps employees identify useful opportunities, improve processes and introduce technology responsibly.
Employees spend hours every week completing repetitive administration and manual processes.
Identify what can be automated.
Apprentices learn how to analyse workflows, identify repetitive activity and evaluate where automation could reduce manual work, improve consistency and release employee time for higher-value activity.
Different employees are using AI tools in different ways with no clear organisational approach.
Build responsible AI capability rather than uncontrolled use.
Learners develop understanding of responsible AI, ethical practice, data protection, bias, transparency and risk so organisations can introduce clearer and safer approaches to AI adoption.
You know there are inefficient processes but are unsure whether AI, automation or another solution would actually improve them.
Start with the business problem, not the technology.
Apprentices learn to analyse processes and organisational needs before selecting technology, helping them evaluate whether AI or automation is genuinely appropriate for the problem being addressed.
Your organisation collects data but does not always use it effectively to make decisions or improve processes.
Develop stronger data analysis and interpretation skills.
Learners build confidence collecting, preparing, analysing and interpreting organisational data so it can support better decisions, automation and AI-enabled improvement.
You rely on external consultants or technical suppliers whenever AI or automation is discussed.
Build knowledge inside your organisation.
The apprenticeship develops employees who understand organisational processes, data and technology, helping you retain valuable AI and automation capability within your own workforce.
AI projects are discussed but struggle to move from ideas and experimentation into useful implementation.
Develop the skills to manage AI-enabled change.
Learners develop project-management capability alongside their technical understanding, enabling them to consider stakeholder needs, implementation, integration, monitoring and organisational change.
Build Practical AI Capability Inside Your Organisation
Artificial intelligence and automation are increasingly being used to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, reduce manual activity and redesign how organisations deliver services and complete everyday processes.
This apprenticeship develops employees who can identify where AI and automation could create genuine organisational value, rather than adopting technology simply because it is available.
Apprentices learn how to analyse processes, work with data, design automation solutions, integrate AI into existing systems and consider the ethical, regulatory and operational implications of implementation.
The programme runs for approximately 14 to 18 months and includes a five-month End-Point Assessment period. Learning is delivered bi-weekly, giving apprentices time to apply new knowledge within their workplace between sessions.
Develop the Skills Behind AI, Automation and Digital Improvement
The programme combines technical understanding with business improvement, responsible implementation and project delivery.
Automation Design & Management
Learn how to identify repetitive or inefficient processes, assess automation opportunities and design workflows and automated solutions that can reduce unnecessary manual work, improve consistency and increase operational efficiency.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Develop skills in collecting, preparing, interpreting and analysing data. Apprentices learn how data can support decision-making, automation and AI solutions while also understanding the importance of data quality.
AI Integration & Troubleshooting
Explore how AI-enabled solutions can be integrated within existing organisational systems and workflows. Learners develop confidence monitoring performance, recognising problems and supporting effective implementation.
Ethical & Responsible AI
Understand the ethical, governance and organisational considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. Apprentices explore responsible use, data protection, transparency, risk, bias and the importance of using AI within appropriate organisational controls.
Project Management for AI Initiatives
Build confidence planning and coordinating AI and automation projects. Learners consider technical requirements, stakeholder needs, implementation activity and how outcomes can be monitored and evaluated.
Develop AI Skills Through Real Workplace Application
Apprentices build technical knowledge while applying it to genuine organisational processes, projects and improvement opportunities.
Real-World Experience
Apply AI, automation and data skills to workplace activity rather than learning technology only in theory.
Career Advancement
Develop capability relevant to growing areas such as AI, automation, data analysis, process improvement and digital transformation.
Personalised Feedback & Mentoring
Receive ongoing support and feedback while applying new learning within real organisational projects.
Why Invest in AI & Automation Capability?
For Employees
The apprenticeship provides a structured pathway into one of the fastest-developing areas of the modern workplace.
Learners develop capability across AI solutions, automation workflows, data analysis and responsible AI governance while applying these skills to live workplace projects.
This practical approach helps apprentices improve their confidence when identifying automation opportunities, analysing problems and contributing to digital change.
The programme also develops wider professional skills, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration and project management.
Personalised mentoring and feedback support ongoing development and help learners connect new knowledge with their existing role and future career aspirations.
For Employers
Developing internal AI capability can reduce reliance on expensive external consultants and contractors while retaining valuable technical knowledge within the organisation.
Apprentices can identify opportunities to automate repetitive work, reduce errors and improve processes across areas such as operations, customer service, marketing, administration and supply chains.
Building capability internally also enables organisations to approach digital transformation with greater control and a stronger understanding of their own systems, workforce and operational needs.
Employees exposed to emerging technologies can introduce new ideas and contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Investing in an employee's professional development can also support engagement, retention and organisational resilience while reducing the cost of repeatedly recruiting specialist skills externally.
Could AI & Automation Save Time in Your Organisation?
Tell us about the employee, their current role and the processes or challenges you want to improve. We can help you understand whether this apprenticeship is the right development route.
Fill Out an Enquiry Form →Apprenticeship Programme Cost
£18,000The published apprenticeship programme cost is £18,000.
For eligible non-levy paying employers, the current page states that the employer contribution is 5%, which equates to £900, with the remaining eligible cost funded through government apprenticeship funding.
Levy-paying employers may be able to use apprenticeship levy funds in line with current apprenticeship funding rules.
Where Could the Apprenticeship Lead?
The skills developed through the programme can support progression into roles involving artificial intelligence, automation, data and organisational transformation.
AI Specialist
Support organisations in selecting, implementing and improving AI-enabled solutions.
Automation Engineer
Design and support automated processes and workflows that improve organisational efficiency.
Data Analyst
Analyse organisational data and turn information into useful insight for decision-making.
Data Scientist
With suitable additional experience and development, progress towards more advanced data and analytical roles.
AI Project Manager
Coordinate technology-enabled projects across technical teams, stakeholders and organisational functions.
Digital Transformation Lead
Support wider programmes of organisational change, automation and digital improvement.
AI & Automation Apprenticeship FAQs
Will I earn a salary during the apprenticeship?
Yes. An apprentice is an employee and receives a salary while completing the apprenticeship. Pay will depend on the employer and role.
Will I receive a qualification when I complete the apprenticeship?
On successful completion of the apprenticeship and End-Point Assessment, the learner will have completed the Artificial Intelligence and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship and demonstrated the occupational knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the programme.
What roles could I progress into?
Potential progression routes include AI Specialist, Automation Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, AI Project Manager and Digital Transformation roles, depending on previous experience and further development.
What is the cost for employers?
The programme cost shown on the current Qualia Academy page is £18,000. The page states that eligible non-levy employers contribute 5%, or £900, with the remainder supported through government apprenticeship funding.
How long is the programme?
The apprenticeship runs for approximately 14 to 18 months, including learning and the End-Point Assessment period.
Can this be used to upskill someone already employed?
Yes. An apprenticeship can be used to develop an existing employee where the programme supports meaningful new occupational knowledge, skills and responsibilities within their role.
Workplace-Led Development with Practical Application
Build Internal Capability
The programme supports organisations to develop AI and automation expertise within their own workforce rather than relying solely on one-off external consultancy.
Apply Learning to Real Processes
Apprentices work with genuine business challenges, processes and improvement opportunities so new knowledge can contribute directly to organisational development.
Expert Guidance & Mentoring
Learners receive structured feedback and guidance as they develop technical understanding, project capability and confidence applying AI responsibly in the workplace.
Could an AI & Automation Apprentice Improve the Way Your Organisation Works?
Whether you want to upskill an existing employee or recruit someone into an AI, automation or digital-improvement role, complete the enquiry form and tell us what you want to achieve.