The TESS Group is an Ofsted Good rated independent training provider, Skills England approved, and the place UK employers come for AI apprenticeships that actually move the needle. Levy-funded. Live online nationwide. Coachy AI tutor in every learner's pocket. See TESS Group by the numbers →
Rod co-founded TESS and has led its growth as the UK's specialist AI apprenticeship provider, from a small leadership-development practice into an Ofsted Good rated provider trusted by Papa John's, NHS England, EDF, Transport for London, Financial Times and over 100 other UK employers.
His focus: making AI apprenticeships that actually change how people work, not certificates that gather dust. Every TESS programme bundles industry qualifications (CMI, NCFE, Microsoft AI fluency) with real AI tooling and 1:1 coaching. The result: a 72% distinction rate at End-Point Assessment, against an industry average of around 30%.
Rod is the author of record across TESS publications and the named contact on every employer enquiry.
Lisa works with UK employers day in, day out, mapping levy spend to the right apprenticeship route. She leads employer partnerships across the TESS client base, from FTSE 100 names to four-person SMEs, and owns the buyer's view of the apprenticeship market inside TESS.
Her focus: making funding work for employers, especially through the 2026 Growth & Skills Levy transition, so no levy pot goes unspent and no learner starts on the wrong programme. Lisa co-authors TESS publications on funding, defunding and the employer's route through both.
TESS holds the awards, accreditations and partnerships that mean something to government, awarding bodies, and serious employers.
Independently inspected and rated Good across all judgement areas.
On the official Skills England Approved Provider list for apprenticeship delivery.
Accredited centre for CMI qualifications Levels 3, 5, 6 & 7.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, embedded in flagship AI programmes.
Government-recognised quality mark for information, advice & guidance.
Government-backed cyber security certification.
CIPD qualifications Levels 3, 5 & 7 embedded in HR pathway.
ILM qualifications Levels 3, 5 & 7 across leadership pathways.
TESS designs and delivers apprenticeships, short-form workshops and qualifications across AI, leadership, data, HR, improvement and business operations. Three things make us different from the rest of the market:
Scoped to each apprenticeship standard, EPA-safe by design. Available 24/7 on mobile, web and Teams. Try the demo →
Most providers deliver one qualification. TESS bundles 3-5 industry qualifications (CMI, BCS, NCFE, Microsoft, EMCC) into every apprenticeship at no extra cost.
Industry-leading EPA outcomes across the board, driven by intensive 1:1 coaching, structured project work, and AI-assisted portfolio development.
Originally a leadership and people-development practice serving events, hospitality and public sector clients.
Joined the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers. Delivered CMI L3-L7, ILM, CIPD and Lean Six Sigma standards.
Independent Ofsted inspection rated TESS "Good" across all judgement areas. Renewed at subsequent inspections.
First UK provider to bundle AI-fluency into Level 4 apprenticeships at scale. Flagship AI & Automation Practitioner (ST1512) joined by AI for Team Leaders, AI for Operations Leaders, AI for Coaching Pros.
Approved by Skills England as a leading AI training provider. Launched the three Level 5 AI Leadership Units (AU0009 Strategy, AU0010 Adoption & Governance, AU0011 Delivery & Transformation) for senior leaders.
25-minute discovery call · we'll talk programme options, levy funding, timelines and next steps. Or send a quick enquiry, we reply within 1 working day.