AI Apprenticeships in Exeter

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

800+Digital businesses
Met Office HQUK's Climate & Weather Science
South West HubGateway to Devon & Cornwall
4.9/5
Employer Rating
Ofsted Good
Latest Inspection
15-18 months
Typical Programme
Up to 5
Qualifications

Why Exeter Employers Are Investing in AI Skills

Exeter has emerged as the South West's innovation and knowledge economy engine. The Met Office, the UK's national weather and climate science authority, operates its headquarters here. University of Exeter is a Russell Group research powerhouse. Royal Devon University Healthcare serves 700,000+ people. EDF Energy, renewable energy innovators, and agritech startups cluster around the city.

This convergence of climate science, healthcare, energy transition, and agricultural technology creates unique AI opportunities, yet acute talent scarcity.

AI apprenticeships let Exeter employers build capability using existing levy funds or 95% government co-funding for SMEs.

AI Apprenticeships for Every Exeter Sector

Met Office HQ

Climate & Weather Science

Machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI-skilled research support for the world's leading weather and climate authority.

Royal Devon University Healthcare

Healthcare

Patient flow optimisation, diagnostic support, and operational efficiency across a trust serving 700,000+ residents.

EDF Energy

Energy & Renewables

Demand prediction, renewable integration, and operational automation across the energy sector.

AgriTech, precision farming firms

Agricultural & AgriTech

Yield prediction, resource optimisation, and sustainable food production powered by AI.

University of Exeter

Education & Research

Academic operations, research support, and learning technology enhanced by AI.

Exeter-based insurers, finance firms

Financial Services

Customer analytics, risk assessment, and operations automation.

Programmes Available to Exeter 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.

Exeter fit: Met Office team leads, healthcare managers, agritech supervisors
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.

Exeter fit: climate research support, energy operations, healthcare admin
⚡ 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.

Exeter fit: Met Office leaders, EDF directors, university 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.

Exeter fit: university HR, hospital talent teams, regional tech company HR
Level 4

AI for Operations Leaders

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

Exeter fit: Met Office ops, energy operations, healthcare administration
Level 6

AI & ML Fellowship

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

Exeter fit: Met Office engineers, university researchers, climate tech innovators

How We Deliver to Exeter

💻

Remote, Live Sessions

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

🏢

At Your Premises

For employers who prefer face-to-face, we deliver at your Exeter 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 Exeter employers use the Levy?

Yes. The Met Office, EDF Energy, and other major employers can use their levy funds. TESS Group delivers remotely across the South West. Non-levy employers access 95% government co-funding.

Do I need a provider based in Exeter?

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

Which apprenticeship suits climate science?

For the Met Office and climate research, the AI & ML Fellowship Level 6 covers machine learning engineering, neural networks, and scientific computing. For operations teams, the AI & Automation Level 4 builds automation capability.

Can staff from multiple sites join?

Absolutely. Team members in Exeter Science Park, Sowton, Marsh Barton, Cranbrook, and across the South West can join the same cohort.

What qualifications do apprentices receive?

Every programme includes up to five qualifications: the apprenticeship standard, Microsoft Certifications, NCFE Digital Qualifications, vendor-specific credentials, and workplace evidence.

How quickly can we get started?

New cohorts start every 4-6 weeks. Typical timeline is 2-4 weeks from enquiry to first learner starting.

How Do You Want to Start?

Whether you want to test AI apprenticeships with a small pilot or roll out across your Exeter 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 Exeter operation.

Book a Discovery Call