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L4ApprenticeshipST151258 approved providers
The Level 4 Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner, and the 58 providers delivering it.
An apprenticeship for the people who deliver artificial intelligence (ai) and automation practitioner work in UK organisations.
Editorial guide
Funding AI transformation, not just AI training
Apprenticeship funding covers the training. What turns training into transformation is the strategy and delivery layer wrapped around it — programme design, named workflow targets, business outcomes tied to learner outputs. Read the guide for the full picture, register interest in upcoming cohorts, or talk to Alex Lockey about embedding that layer as a fractional CAIO engagement alongside the cohort.
About this apprenticeship
What this apprenticeship covers
At Level 4, apprentices develop practical skills in applying artificial intelligence and automation tools to real business problems. The programme covers core concepts in machine learning, data preparation, process automation, and AI model deployment. Apprentices learn to assess where AI or automation can improve workflows, work with relevant platforms and scripting tools, and communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders. The focus is applied rather than theoretical: building, testing, and iterating solutions in a workplace setting rather than studying AI in the abstract.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Week to week, an apprentice in this role might prepare and clean datasets, configure automation workflows using tools such as Power Automate or Python scripts, test AI models against real outputs, and document results for review. They are likely to work alongside data analysts, software developers, or operations teams, translating business requirements into technical briefs or proof-of-concept builds. Reporting on model performance and flagging issues for more senior engineers would also be typical.
Career outlook
Completing this apprenticeship opens routes into roles such as AI technician, automation analyst, junior machine learning engineer, or RPA (robotic process automation) developer. Employers hiring for these roles span financial services, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and the public sector, reflecting how broadly AI adoption is spreading. With experience, practitioners typically progress toward senior engineer, AI consultant, or data science roles, and many use this qualification as a stepping stone to Level 6 or 7 programmes in data science or software engineering.
58 approved providers
Sorted by achievement rate.
Mbkb Training & Development
Employer: 3.0
MBKB is an Ofsted Outstanding training provider delivering apprenticeships and professional programm...
Nine Dots Development
Employer: 3.0
Nine Dots Development is a leadership and organisational development company specialising in develop...
The S&A Transform Group Limited
Employer: 4.0
The S&A Academy provide apprenticeships, funded and commercial training via 4 academies - Digital & ...
Velocity Academy
Employer: 4.0
Velocity Academy is a UK apprenticeship training provider specialising in digital and professional s...
Apprentify Limited
Employer: 4.0
Apprentify is a specialist digital and tech apprenticeship and training provider that focuses on hel...
Decoded Limited
Employer: 3.0
Decoded is a global technology education company whose programmes focus on building digital, data an...
Bpp Professional Education Limited
Employer: 3.0
BPP is described as a leading global education business focused on optimising performance at every s...
Northwest Education and Training Ltd
Northwest Education and Training (NWEAT) is a UK training provider established in 2013 that speciali...
The Education and Skills Partnership Ltd
The Education and Skills Partnership is a national training and education provider specialising in a...
Elevated Knowledge Ltd
Employer: 4.0
Elevated Knowledge is an engineering training provider based in Stockport offering apprenticeships, ...
Oasis Training
Oasis Care & Training Agency is a London-based registered charity that combines homecare services wi...
Purple Beard Ltd
Purple Beard is an award-winning EdTech training provider and Ofsted ‘good’ provider that focuses on...
National Upskill
Employer: 4.0
National Upskill is a privately owned, independent apprenticeship and skills development provider op...
London Vesta College Limited
Employer: 4.0
London Vesta College is a digital education provider specialising in IT and digital sector training ...
Estu Global Ltd
Estu is a learning and development provider focused on delivering transformative, real-world trainin...
Hays Skills Development
Hays Specialist Recruitment delivers apprenticeship training as part of its broader role as a global...
Career outcomes
Roles after completion
Completing this apprenticeship typically leads to roles such as AI Practitioner, Automation Developer, Junior Machine Learning Engineer, or RPA (Robotic Process Automation) Developer. Some completers move into Business Intelligence Analyst or Data Analyst positions where AI tooling is central to the work. At Level 4, the expectation is a technical contributor role, building and deploying AI or automation solutions under senior guidance rather than leading projects independently from day one.
Progression paths
Within three to five years, practitioners commonly move into Mid-level Machine Learning Engineer, AI Solutions Architect, or Automation Lead roles. Those who take a leadership track may progress to AI Team Lead or Head of Automation, overseeing delivery teams and vendor relationships. The deep-specialist track tends toward AI/ML Engineer, NLP Engineer, or Computer Vision Specialist. Longer term, senior positions such as Principal AI Engineer or AI Product Manager become realistic targets, particularly for those who combine technical depth with business understanding.
Where these roles sit
Demand sits across financial services, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and the public sector, where process automation and AI-assisted decision-making are increasingly standard. Employers range from large enterprises with dedicated AI centres of excellence to specialist technology consultancies and managed service providers. Central government departments, NHS trusts, and local authorities are also active hirers, particularly for automation roles tied to operational efficiency programmes. Most roles are based in-house rather than agency-side.
How it's assessed
How the apprenticeship is assessed
Throughout the apprenticeship, learning takes place alongside employment, with the apprentice building practical competence in applying AI and automation tools and techniques within a real working environment. Before final assessment, the apprentice must pass a readiness check, commonly called a gateway, where the employer and training provider confirm that sufficient knowledge, skills, and behaviours have been developed. Final assessment then determines whether the apprentice can perform the role to the required standard. Assessment models across many Level 4 digital standards are currently being updated, so check the ST1512 page on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website for the current specification.
What learners need to prepare
Building a portfolio of workplace evidence from early in the programme makes the gateway stage considerably more straightforward. Apprentices should document real projects, problems they have solved, and decisions they have made involving AI or automation tools, rather than leaving record-keeping until the final months. Regular review points with both the employer and training provider help track progress against the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours and identify any gaps well before the gateway. Keeping organised, dated records throughout the programme is practical preparation that pays off at assessment.
Choosing a provider
What good looks like
A strong provider for this standard will have an achievement rate above 65% on their FATP profile, with apprentice and employer satisfaction scores that reflect genuine engagement rather than passive delivery. For an AI and automation role at Level 4, look for tutors with hands-on industry backgrounds rather than purely academic ones. Providers should be able to name the tools and platforms covered in their curriculum: Python, cloud-based ML services, automation frameworks such as RPA tooling. Ask whether the curriculum is reviewed annually, given how quickly this space moves.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of providers with high learner volumes but a declining achievement rate, which can indicate overstretched delivery teams. Vague answers about which AI and automation tools are taught, or a curriculum that references outdated frameworks, are serious concerns at this level. Providers who cannot connect you with alumni working in relevant roles, or who struggle to describe how EPA preparation works for this standard, should be questioned carefully. Generic "digital skills" delivery that isn't specific to AI and automation is a poor fit here.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Which AI and automation tools and platforms does your curriculum cover, and when was the content last updated?
- How do you structure practical project work, and will the apprentice apply AI or automation to real tasks in their employer role?
- What is your current achievement rate for this standard specifically, and how does it compare to previous years?
- How do you handle end-point assessment preparation, and what is your EPA pass rate?
- Can we speak to an employer currently running apprentices on this standard with you?
- How large are your cohorts, and what is the ratio of tutors to apprentices?
- Do your tutors have recent practitioner experience in AI or automation, or primarily a teaching background?
Common questions
What qualifications or experience does someone need to start this apprenticeship?
Applicants typically need a good level of digital literacy and often hold A-levels, a T Level in a related subject, or equivalent vocational qualifications. Some employers also consider candidates with relevant work experience in lieu of formal qualifications. English and maths at Level 2 (GCSE grade 4 or above, or equivalent) are usually required before the end-point assessment if not already achieved. Individual employers set their own entry criteria, so requirements can vary.
How long does the apprenticeship take and how is learning fitted around work?
The apprentice is employed throughout and works towards the standard while doing their job. Learning is split between on-the-job practice and off-the-job study, which can include workshops, online learning, or college attendance. The exact duration and off-the-job training requirements are subject to revision under current Skills England reforms, so check the latest specification on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education pages at gov.uk before planning.
How is the apprentice assessed and what is the gateway?
Before sitting the end-point assessment, the apprentice must pass through a gateway, where the employer and training provider confirm that all learning has been completed and the apprentice is ready to be assessed. Assessment typically involves a combination of methods such as a project, portfolio, or professional discussion, designed to test competence in AI and automation tasks. Assessment models for many Level 4 standards are currently being updated, so confirm the current approach at gov.uk.
How does an employer pay for this apprenticeship?
The funding band for this standard is £18,000, which is the maximum that can be drawn from the apprenticeship levy or government co-investment. Levy-paying employers (with a payroll above £3 million) pay through their Digital Apprenticeship Service account. Smaller employers co-invest 5% of training costs, with the government covering the rest. If you take on an apprentice aged 16 to 18 and employ fewer than 50 people, the government covers the full training cost.
What does an apprentice in this role actually do from day to day?
Day-to-day work is likely to involve building and testing automation workflows, working with data pipelines, supporting the deployment of AI tools, and troubleshooting automated processes. The apprentice might write scripts or code, liaise with colleagues on requirements, document solutions, and monitor system performance. The balance of tasks will depend on the employer's sector and technical environment, covering areas from robotic process automation to machine learning model support.
What can an apprentice progress to after completing this standard?
Completing this apprenticeship positions someone for roles such as AI developer, automation engineer, or data analyst. From there, progression routes include Level 6 or 7 degree apprenticeships in data science, software engineering, or related disciplines, or employer-funded specialist training in particular AI platforms and tools. Some apprentices move into senior technical roles or transition into adjacent areas such as cybersecurity or cloud infrastructure, depending on where their employer's needs and their own interests align.
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Curated by Alex Lockey, FATP founder and editor. Last reviewed: .
Sources include the apprenticeship's official specification on apprenticeships.gov.uk, Skills England guidance, IfATE archive records, DWP funding bands, and provider data sourced directly from the public Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Standard reference: ST1512.
Some sections on this page were drafted with AI assistance from published source data and reviewed by a human editor before publication. See our editorial methodology for how we maintain this content. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.