AI Apprenticeships in Birmingham

Levy-funded AI apprenticeships for Birmingham employers. 100% funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% co-funded for SMEs.

8,000+Tech businesses
£3.5bnDigital economy
75%of BM employers plan AI investment
4.9/5
Employer Rating
Ofsted Good
Latest Inspection
15-18 months
Typical Programme
Up to 5
Qualifications

Why Birmingham Employers Are Investing in AI Skills

Birmingham's economy is undergoing a transformation. The city hosts HSBC UK's headquarters, Jaguar Land Rover's global operations, Aston Martin's engineering hub, and hundreds of digital-first businesses in Digbeth and beyond. The West Midlands Combined Authority's devolution powers, backed by significant investment in innovation and green manufacturing, have positioned the region as a leader in AI-enabled industrial transformation.

Manufacturing and logistics leaders are racing to adopt predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, and AI-powered quality control. Financial services teams at HSBC UK need AI-literate talent. Healthcare operations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University Hospitals Birmingham are implementing AI in clinical workflows. Yet Birmingham's tech talent pool hasn't kept pace with demand.

AI apprenticeships let Birmingham employers build capability using funding they're already paying. Levy-paying employers (annual pay bill over £3 million) use their existing levy pot. Smaller employers access 95% government co-funding, paying just 5% of training costs. Teams across Brindleyplace, Solihull, Longbridge, and beyond can train together online with no travel disruption.

AI Apprenticeships for Every Birmingham Sector

Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin

Automotive & Manufacturing

Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, and hundreds of suppliers across Longbridge and the Black Country are adopting AI for predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, and smart manufacturing.

HSBC UK, Barclays, Lloyds

Financial Services

With HSBC UK's headquarters in Birmingham, financial services teams need AI capability for compliance, risk, analytics, and customer experience.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UHB

Healthcare

Birmingham's hospital trusts, including the world-leading Queen Elizabeth Hospital, are early adopters of AI in clinical and operational contexts.

Digbeth & Custard Factory

Tech & Digital

Birmingham's Digbeth tech hub hosts hundreds of digital-native businesses. AI apprenticeships help product teams, data engineers, and operations leaders.

WMCA, Birmingham City Council

Public Sector

The West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council are driving regional innovation through AI adoption.

Colmore Row firms

Professional Services

Birmingham's professional services firms are adopting AI for document review, contract analysis, and business intelligence.

Programmes Available to Birmingham Employers

Level 3

Data-Driven Team Leader

For first-line managers who need to use data and AI tools to make better decisions, improve team performance, and lead change.

Birmingham fit: production supervisors, NHS ward managers, retail leaders
Level 4

AI & Automation Practitioner

The core hands-on programme. Build, test, and deploy AI and automation solutions using Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, or Google Workspace AI. No coding required. 15 months, fully levy-funded.

Birmingham fit: manufacturing engineers, financial ops, digital agencies
⚡ Also available as 8-month fast-track →
Level 5

AI Leadership Pathway

Three Level 5 apprenticeship units — AI Strategy, AI Governance, and AI Transformation — built for senior leaders. 8–12 weeks per unit, no EPA, up to £2,250 combined funding per leader. TESS Group is one of the first approved providers.

Birmingham fit: JLR directors, HSBC UK leaders, NHS executives
Level 4

AI for People Leaders

For HR, L&D, and people managers. Embed AI into recruitment, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement.

Birmingham fit: manufacturing HR, HSBC people teams, healthcare workforce
Level 4

AI for Operations Leaders

Operational excellence through AI. Supply chain optimisation, process automation, quality improvement, and operational analytics.

Birmingham fit: JLR production, manufacturing quality, logistics ops
Level 6

AI & ML Fellowship

Advanced programme for technical specialists. Machine learning engineering, neural networks, NLP, and responsible AI at scale.

Birmingham fit: manufacturing engineering, Digbeth AI startups, fintech

How We Deliver to Birmingham

💻

Remote, Live Sessions

Interactive training via Zoom or Teams. Your team joins from their desks in Birmingham. No travel, no disruption.

🏢

At Your Premises

For employers who prefer face-to-face, we deliver at your Birmingham offices. Same programme, same quality.

🎯

Dedicated Coach

Every learner gets a dedicated skills coach who understands their role, industry, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Birmingham employers use the Apprenticeship Levy for AI training?

Yes. Any employer paying the Apprenticeship Levy (annual pay bill over £3 million) can use their existing levy funds. This includes Jaguar Land Rover, HSBC UK, Aston Martin, and local healthcare trusts. TESS Group delivers remotely across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Non-levy employers access 95% government co-funding, paying just 5% of training costs.

Do I need a training provider based in Birmingham?

No. Apprenticeship training can be delivered remotely by any DWP-approved provider in England. TESS Group is Ofsted Good-rated and delivers live, interactive training via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Which AI apprenticeship works best for manufacturing?

For production managers, engineers, and operations teams at JLR, Aston Martin, and other manufacturers, the AI for Operations Leaders Level 4 and AI & Automation Level 4 cover predictive maintenance, quality analytics, smart automation, and supply chain optimisation.

Can staff across multiple West Midlands sites join?

Absolutely. Because training is delivered live online, team members across Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Dudley, and anywhere else in the West Midlands can join the same cohort.

What qualifications do apprentices receive?

Every TESS programme includes up to five qualifications: the apprenticeship standard, Microsoft Certifications (AI-900 or MS-900), NCFE Digital Qualifications, vendor-specific credentials, and a portfolio of workplace evidence.

How quickly can we get started?

New cohorts start every 4-6 weeks. From initial enquiry to your first learner starting, the typical timeline is 2-4 weeks.

How Do You Want to Start?

Whether you want to test AI apprenticeships with a small pilot or roll out across your Birmingham team, we make it simple.

Start with a Pilot

Enrol 1-2 team members to test the programme before scaling.

Enquire Now

Roll Out Across Your Team

Enrol a cohort from across your Birmingham operation.

Book a Discovery Call