The UK's specialist AI & Automation apprenticeship provider.
Page overview
More qualifications than any other provider. Industry-leading trainers. Dedicated coaches who make the training stick. The only UK provider delivering up to 5 Level 3+ qualifications in a single AI apprenticeship, trusted by the NHS, the Financial Times, the University of Kent, Sunbelt Rentals, Eurofins Forensic Services and 60+ UK employers. Delivered nationwide via live online sessions. 100% levy funded. Monthly starts.
More qualifications than any other provider. Industry-leading trainers. Coaches who make the training stick. Trusted by the Financial Times, EDF Energy, NHS, TfL & 60+ UK employers. 100% levy funded.
Comparing providers? Read our buyer's guide →
Ofsted Good Provider
Independently verified quality across all programmes
4.9/5 on Google Reviews
Hundreds of 5-star reviews from learners and employers
4.9/5 on Trustpilot
Consistently among the highest-rated providers in the UK
Best Apprenticeship Provider
The Signature Awards — recognised for outstanding delivery
Choose your pathway
How do you want to start?
Four ways in, one team behind them all. Pick the path that fits where you are today.
I'm an employer
Train my team with a levy-funded AI apprenticeship.
I'm a learner
I want to apply or check if I qualify.
I'm not sure yet
Match my goals to the right programme in two minutes.
I'm comparing providers
Show me what separates TESS from the field.
AI tools our learners master, no coding required
Microsoft Copilot
ChatGPT
Claude
GeminiThree Programmes Transforming UK Workforces
Our most popular apprenticeships, each combining cutting-edge skills with industry-recognised qualifications. 100% levy funded.
AI & Automation Practitioner
Turn every department into an AI-powered engine. Microsoft or Google certifications included. No coding required.
View programme → LEVEL 3 · NEWThe Data-Driven Team Leader
For first-line leaders. CMI Level 3 Award + NCFE Certificate in Data. The future-proof replacement for the defunding Team Leader L3.
View programme → LEVEL 4 · AI + CMI L5AI for Operations Leaders
AI apprenticeship with embedded CMI Level 5 in Leadership & Management. For ops managers who want AI + a serious qualification.
View programme →Get Your Senior Team AI‑Ready in Weeks, Not Months.
The AI Leadership Apprenticeship Unit gives directors and senior leaders the AI strategy skills they need — without a 15-month commitment. Level 5, levy-funded, no EPA. The fastest way to get the green light for AI across your organisation.
for boardrooms
to credential
No EPA.
- A board-ready AI strategy your team owns
- Governance & risk frameworks that get sign-off
- Optional CMI Level 5 Award on top — no extra fee
TESS Group vs. Typical Providers
| Feature | TESS Group | Typical Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Additional qualifications included | ✓ Up to 5 at no extra cost | ✗ Standard only (0–1) |
| Microsoft certification embedded | ✓ AB-730 included | ✗ Not offered |
| Bespoke programme design | ✓ Tailored to your organisation | ● Generic off-the-shelf |
| AI embedded across all programmes | ✓ AI in every programme | ✗ AI only in tech programmes |
| Monthly rolling starts | ✓ Start any month | ● Fixed cohort dates |
| Industry practitioner trainers | ✓ All practitioners | ● Mix of academic/practitioner |
| Google / Trustpilot rating | ✓ 4.9/5 on both | ● 3.5–4.2 average |
| Ofsted Good | ✓ Good | ● Varies |
See What TESS Group Can Do for Your Organisation
Apprenticeships, qualifications, and workshops that transform how your people actually work — not just tick a compliance box.
27+ Apprenticeships Across 7 Specialisms
Industry-leading programmes delivered by expert trainers. Bespoke to your organisation. Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Monthly rolling starts.
Not sure which is right for you? Try our Programme Finder →|Important: Learn about apprenticeship defunding and why our SME guide matters for 2026
AI & Data Apprenticeships
From entry-level to degree-equivalent - building your AI-ready workforce
AI Leadership Unit
Apprenticeship unit for MDs, directors, and senior leaders. AI strategy, governance, and boardroom decision-making. 1-16 weeks, no EPA, levy-funded - levy or government.
AI & Automation Practitioner
Turn every department into an AI-powered engine. Up to 5 industry qualifications included - Microsoft Certified, NCFE, BCS Foundation. £18,000 levy funded.
Data Operations Specialist
Excel, Power BI, SQL and AI tools across 8 focused modules. No prior experience needed. Turns curious minds into confident data professionals with clear progression to Level 4.
Insight & Analytics Specialist
Python, SQL, Power BI, machine learning and AI. Two BCS qualifications included. Build analysts who predict what's coming next, not just report what happened.
AI & Machine Learning Fellowship
Advanced degree-equivalent apprenticeship in AI and machine learning. Python, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, and deployment. For experienced technologists stepping into AI leadership.
Digital & Marketing Apprenticeships
Digital technology, content creation, and multi-channel marketing
Digital Technology Specialist
Build internal digital champions who can support teams with technology, troubleshoot tech issues, and drive adoption of digital tools across your organisation. BCS RITTech accredited - levy-funded up to £13,000.
Audience Engagement Producer
AI-powered content creation, audience analytics, and engagement strategy. Build the digital storytellers your brand needs in a social-first world.
Digital Engagement Strategist
Digital marketing, campaign automation, personalisation at scale. Use AI and data analytics to measure what actually drives results across every channel.
First-Line Leaders Apprenticeships
Team leaders, supervisors, and emerging managers, AI-powered and future-ready
The Data-Driven Team Leader
Combines data skills with leadership development. Three qualifications included, CMI Level 3 Award, NCFE Certificate in Data, and Data Technician certificate. The future-proof alternative to the defunding Team Leader L3.
Team Leader (L3), What's Changing
The classic Team Leader & Supervisor Level 3 is being defunded from September 2026. We explain what that means and which AI-powered alternative fits your team best.
AI for People Leaders
The UK's first AI apprenticeship designed for team leaders and supervisors. Build team-level AI capability, earn CMI Level 3 leadership credentials, no coding required.
Management Apprenticeships
Operations managers, project leaders, and improvement specialists
AI for Operations Leaders
The UK's first AI apprenticeship for operations managers and department heads. Build departmental AI roadmaps, earn CMI Level 5 leadership credentials, no coding required.
Strategic Operations Leader
For experienced managers leading departments or large teams. Strategic planning, operational excellence, financial management, and organisational development.
Agile Project Delivery Specialist
APM PMQ pathway. Agile, waterfall, and hybrid methodologies. Budget management, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement for the modern project professional.
HR & L&D Apprenticeships
People professionals, learning specialists, and strategic talent partners
People & Culture Coordinator
Foundational HR skills including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and HRIS management. The launchpad for a career in people management.
Learning & Development Practitioner
Design, deliver, and evaluate learning interventions. Includes CMI L3 Coaching & Mentoring. For trainers, facilitators, and anyone moving into an L&D role.
Strategic Talent Partner
For experienced HR professionals seeking CIPD alignment. Talent strategy, organisational design, employee engagement, and strategic workforce planning.
L&D Consultant Business Partner
Align learning strategy with business objectives. Includes CMI L5 Professional Coaching Practice + NCFE Equality & Diversity. The senior L&D role for strategic influence.
Coaching & Business Apprenticeships
Coaching professionals, business administrators, and solutions architects
AI for Coaching Professionals
The only AI apprenticeship combining advanced coaching skills with AI tools. Earn CMI Level 5 Coaching & Mentoring with embedded AI capability for deeper client engagement and professional practice.
Coaching Professional
Workshops rated 9.8/10 across 100+ reviews. Optional ILM Level 5. EMCC, ICF & AC pathways. For anyone who develops others - not just managers. Builds a coaching culture from within.
Commercial Solutions Architect
Requirements gathering, data modelling, stakeholder analysis, and solution design. Bridging the gap between business needs and technical delivery with AI-augmented insight.
Process Improvement Technician
Foundation continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma tools. Data collection, process mapping, and problem-solving for front-line teams driving operational efficiency.
Business Process Optimiser
Lean Six Sigma at Green Belt level. Process mapping, root cause analysis, and data-driven improvement.
Improvement Specialist
Lean Six Sigma at Green Belt level. Lead improvement projects, apply DMAIC methodology, and embed a continuous improvement culture across your organisation.
Operations & Customer Apprenticeships
Customer experience, improvement specialists, and data analysts
Cultural Learning & Participation Officer
Drive inclusion, community engagement, and cultural participation. For those championing accessibility, diversity, and engagement across organisations.
Business & Operations Coordinator
Modern business administration, project support, stakeholder communication, process documentation, and digital tools. The backbone of any operational team.
Customer Experience Champion
Deliver outstanding customer experiences across all channels. Complaint resolution, service strategy, and customer insight, building loyalty and driving retention.
Professional Qualifications
CMI, ILM, and CIPD qualifications delivered standalone or embedded within an apprenticeship.
CMI Qualifications
Leadership & Management, Coaching & Mentoring, and Strategic Management.
ILM Qualifications
Leadership & Management and Executive Coaching & Mentoring. Recognised worldwide.
CIPD Qualifications
People Practice, People Management, and Strategic People Management. The HR gold standard.
Not sure which programme fits your team?
25-minute discovery call. We will talk through roles, funding, and which pathway matches your goals.
Book a Discovery CallWhat Our Learners & Employers Say
689 verified reviews across Google and Trustpilot - here's what people really think about TESS Group
What Makes Us Different
We don't just deliver apprenticeships. We design outcomes. Here's why thousands of learners and their employers choose TESS Group.
Bespoke, Not Off-the-Shelf
Every programme designed around your organisation's strategic priorities. We listen first, then build training that delivers the outcomes you actually need.
Qualifications That Go Further
Where others deliver the standard alone, we embed additional qualifications - CMI, ILM, BCS, Microsoft, NCFE - at no extra cost. Up to 5 included.
4.9/5 Across the Board
Exceptional ratings on Google, Trustpilot, and learner feedback. Our reputation is built on consistent excellence, not marketing spend.
Industry Practitioners
Not academics reading slides. Our trainers have done it, lived it, and now teach it. Real-world expertise in every workshop.
Monthly Rolling Starts
No waiting until September. Our programmes start monthly with flexible cohort models, blended delivery, and online options designed for modern business.
AI Embedded Everywhere
From dedicated AI apprenticeships to embedded AI modules across every programme - your people are future-ready from day one.
Beyond Apprenticeships
Short courses, qualifications, and bespoke L&D programmes designed around your workforce.
Signature Programmes
L&D Workshops
28 programmesHalf-day and full-day sessions. Bookable as standalone or bolt-on to apprenticeship programmes.
Coaching for Performance
Half / Full day
Navigating Change
Half / Full day
Difficult Conversations
Half day
Conflict Resolution
Half / Full day
Presentation Skills
Full day
Time Management
Half day
Creative Thinking
Half day
Inclusion & Belonging
Half / Full day
Insights Discovery
Psychometric Profiles
360 Feedback
C-Me Colour Profiling
Mental Health First Aid
Full day, NCFE
Menopause Awareness
Half day
Neurodiversity
Half day
Sustainability
Half day
Advanced AI Accelerator
Custom GPTs, Agentic AI
AI Policy Drafting
Full day
Cyber Awareness
Half day
Data Storytelling
Full day
Short-Form Video
Full day
Key Account Management
Full day
Customer Experience
Full day
Sales Strategy & Planning
Full day
Coaching for Sales
Full day
Stakeholder Management
Full day
Objections & Negotiation
Full day
Sales Ops & CRM
Full day
Sales Recruitment
Full day
Sales Skills
For Non-Sales People
All workshops available face-to-face or virtual • Nationwide delivery
Ready to Transform Your Workforce?
levy-funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. 27+ programmes from Level 3 to Level 7. Delivered nationwide via live online sessions. Monthly starts. Trusted by NHS England, the Financial Times, the University of Kent, Sunbelt Rentals, Eurofins Forensic Services, Clarins, Arriva, SKF, and 60+ more.
Send Us a Message
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything employers need to know about working with TESS Group
TESS Group is a specialist UK provider of AI, leadership and management apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 6. Programmes are 100% levy-funded, or 95% government co-funded for non-levy employers. We deliver nationwide via live online sessions and embed up to 5 recognised qualifications (CMI, CIPD, ILM, Microsoft, BCS) at no extra cost. TESS is Ofsted Good, rated 4.9/5 from 689+ Google reviews, and recognised by Microsoft as an AI Industry Leader.