Levy-funded AI apprenticeships for Reading employers. 100% funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% co-funded for SMEs.
Reading is the undisputed centre of the UK tech economy, home to the European headquarters of Microsoft, UK operations of Oracle, Huawei's European research facility, Cisco, Google, Amazon Web Services, and hundreds of other global and British tech firms. The Thames Valley tech corridor, spanning Reading, Bracknell, Winnersh, and the M4 corridor, is driving innovation in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital transformation.
Yet Reading and the Thames Valley face an acute talent crunch. Microsoft, Oracle, and the ecosystem of tech companies around them require teams with advanced AI capabilities. Financial services firms are competing fiercely for data scientists. Healthcare and professional services organisations are struggling to find staff with AI literacy.
AI apprenticeships let Reading employers develop that talent using funding they're already paying. Levy-paying employers (annual pay bill over £3 million) can use their existing levy pot. Smaller employers access 95% government co-funding, paying just 5% of training costs.
AI apprenticeships help engineers, product managers, and development teams build AI-powered cloud solutions, implement machine learning, and deploy responsible AI at scale.
Major financial services and fintech firms. AI apprenticeships help data scientists, analysts, and operations teams deploy AI for risk assessment and compliance automation.
Leading consulting firms. AI apprenticeships help consultants, analysts, and delivery teams build AI solutions for clients.
AI apprenticeships help clinical operations, IT teams, and administrators deploy AI across patient scheduling, diagnostics, and workforce planning.
AI apprenticeships equip operations teams with supply chain analytics, route optimisation, and warehouse automation capabilities.
AI apprenticeships help infrastructure teams and network engineers deploy AI for predictive maintenance and network optimisation.
For first-line managers who need to use data and AI tools to make better decisions, improve team performance, and lead change.
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.
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.
For HR, L&D, and people managers. Embed AI into recruitment, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement.
Operational excellence through AI. Supply chain optimisation, process automation, quality improvement, and operational analytics.
Advanced programme for technical specialists. Machine learning engineering, neural networks, NLP, and responsible AI at scale.
Interactive training via Zoom or Teams. Your team joins from their desks in Reading. No travel, no disruption.
For employers who prefer face-to-face, we deliver at your Reading offices. Same programme, same quality.
Every learner gets a dedicated skills coach who understands their role, industry, and goals.
Yes. This includes Microsoft, Oracle, Huawei, Cisco, Prudential, and hundreds of other Thames Valley employers. TESS Group delivers remotely across Reading and the M4 corridor. Non-levy employers access 95% government co-funding.
No. Apprenticeship training can be delivered remotely by any DWP-approved provider in England. TESS Group is Ofsted Good-rated and delivers live training via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
For tech employers like Microsoft UK, Oracle, and Cisco, the AI & Automation Level 4 is ideal, covering cloud automation, AI-powered development, and workflow optimisation. For leadership, the AI Leadership Pathway (Level 5) builds strategic capability.
Absolutely. Team members at Green Park, Thames Valley Park, Winnersh Triangle, Bracknell, and anywhere in the Thames Valley can join the same cohort.
Every programme includes up to five qualifications: the apprenticeship standard, Microsoft Certifications, NCFE Digital Qualifications, vendor-specific credentials, and workplace evidence.
New cohorts start every 4-6 weeks. Typical timeline is 2-4 weeks from enquiry to first learner starting.
Whether you want to test AI apprenticeships with a small pilot or roll out across your Reading team, we make it simple.