AI & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship, for every department.
The AI & Automation Practitioner Level 4 apprenticeship (ST1512) equips teams across the business to use Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini, and to design, build and maintain AI agents in Microsoft Copilot Studio, Google Gemini Gems, AppSheet, Power Automate, Make.com and Zapier, including multi-agent workflows, agentic automation, and RAG (retrieval-augmented generation). No coding required. 100% levy funded at £18,000. Up to five qualifications embedded. Delivered live online across England.
Why Employers Choose This
No coding needed. Levy funded or 95% government co-invested.
Qualifications They'll Earn
All included. Levy funded or 95% government co-invested.
Hands-on with the platforms shaping business today
How do you want to start?
Every organisation is different. Some want to pilot with one delegate first. Others want to upskill an entire department from day one. Both work — and we'll help you decide which is right.
Start with one delegate
Test, learn, then scale
Put your most forward-thinking team member through the programme first. They come back with practical AI skills, real automation wins, and the confidence to champion it across the business.
Upskill an entire team
Transform a department from day one
When a whole department goes through together, they build a shared AI language, standardise their workflows, and hold each other accountable. The impact is transformational, not incremental.
Built for Every Department, Not Just IT
This is the AI apprenticeship designed for the people who actually run your business
Operations
Automate repetitive workflows, streamline procurement processes, and use AI to predict bottlenecks before they cost you money. Build dashboards that surface real-time insights without needing a data team.
Human Resources
Use AI to accelerate recruitment screening, automate onboarding workflows, generate policy documents, and analyse employee engagement data, all while ensuring GDPR compliance and removing bias.
Finance
Automate invoice processing, reconciliation, and reporting. Use AI to spot anomalies, forecast cash flow, and generate financial summaries, reclaiming hours lost to manual spreadsheet work.
Marketing
Create content at scale with AI prompting skills, automate campaign workflows, personalise customer communications, and use data analytics to measure what actually drives results.
Sales & Customer Service
Build automated lead scoring, create AI-assisted customer response templates, streamline CRM workflows, and use predictive analytics to identify your highest-value opportunities.
Administration & Support
Eliminate repetitive admin tasks with no-code automations, create intelligent document processing workflows, and become the go-to AI champion who transforms how the whole office works.
Why AI & Automation Matters Now
The organisations moving fastest on AI aren't waiting for IT. They're upskilling every department. Here's why your team should start today.
Reclaim 10+ Hours Per Week
AI-powered workflow automation eliminates repetitive tasks across every role, from data entry to report generation. Your people work on what matters.
Every Department, Not Just IT
HR, Finance, Operations, Marketing, Sales, Admin. This programme is built for the people who actually run your business. No technical background needed.
Measurable ROI from Day One
Apprentices apply learning directly to real workplace projects. Employers see productivity gains, cost savings, and process improvements within weeks, not months.
Platform AI Mastery
Go beyond basic awareness. Your team masters AI across their daily tools (Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini) then earns an official ecosystem certification.
4-5 Qualifications Included
Ecosystem certification (Microsoft AB-730 or Google AI Essentials), NCFE Cyber Security, NCFE Data, NCFE AI Prompt Mastery. All bundled at zero extra cost.
100% Funded. Zero Cost
Fully covered through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment. Your team gets a premium programme with 4-5 qualifications at no out-of-pocket cost.
Absolutely No Tech Background Needed
This programme is specifically designed for non-technical professionals. We use no-code and low-code tools, plain-English AI prompting, and real workplace scenarios from your own role. If you can use email and a spreadsheet, you can do this.
Zero Coding. Real Results.
How We Compare
The only provider delivering this calibre of AI apprenticeship
Up to 5 Qualifications Included
Every learner graduates with accredited qualifications on top of their Level 4 apprenticeship. Click any card to see the employer benefits.
Cyber Security Practices
Practical security assessment, incident response, and risk management for deploying AI safely across the organisation.
Why this matters for your business
- Reduces risk of data breaches when AI tools access sensitive systems
- Meets compliance requirements for ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials
- Staff can assess AI vendor security before procurement
- Builds a security-first culture across non-technical teams
Certificate in Data
Data visualisation, data modelling, and data-driven decision making. The analytical foundation behind every AI-powered insight.
Why this matters for your business
- Teams make better decisions backed by data, not guesswork
- Staff can prepare clean data for AI tools, improving output quality
- Reduces reliance on specialist data teams for everyday analysis
- Builds data literacy across departments, not just IT
AI Prompt Mastery
Our bespoke NCFE-accredited qualification. Design effective prompts using chain-of-thought, role prompting, and iterative refinement.
Why this matters for your business
- Staff get 3-5x better outputs from AI tools with structured prompts
- Reduces wasted time from vague or ineffective AI interactions
- Creates internal prompt libraries that the whole team can reuse
- The only NCFE-accredited prompt engineering qualification in the UK
Your ecosystem certification (one per learner, based on your platform)
AI Business Professional (AB-730)
The official Microsoft certification for using Copilot and generative AI in business contexts. Globally recognised.
Why this matters for your business
- Proves your team can use Copilot productively across the M365 suite
- Microsoft-verified credential visible on LinkedIn and internal records
- Accelerates ROI on your existing Microsoft 365 licence investment
- No coding required. Exam mapped directly to real workplace tasks
Google AI Essentials
Google's official AI certificate covering Gemini, responsible AI, and practical AI tools across Google Workspace.
Why this matters for your business
- Validates practical Gemini skills across Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail
- Google-issued credential recognised globally
- Maximises return on your Google Workspace subscription
- Covers AppSheet for no-code automation within your existing ecosystem
BCS Foundation Certificate in AI
For high-performing learners. SFIA 3-4 equivalent covering AI ethics, governance, responsible deployment, and generative AI. Doubles as EPA preparation.
Why this matters for your business
- Identifies your top performers with a globally recognised BCS credential
- Covers AI governance and ethics at a level suitable for policy input
- Prepares learners for EPA, improving pass rates and distinction grades
- Equivalent to SFIA 3-4, signalling genuine technical understanding
Standard or 8-Month Fast-Track, same ST1512 standard
Every employer has a different appetite for pace. Both routes deliver the same Level 4 apprenticeship, the same £18,000 apprenticeship levy funding, and the same BCS End-Point Assessment.
Open enrolment, one module a month, around 1 day per week off-the-job. Ideal for employers who want steadier pacing and flexible starts.
Private closed cohort for your team, flexible on size. Committed weekly learning rhythm with live-work AI practice, project assessed by BCS at month 5 (two-thirds point), final BCS showcase in a dedicated EPA phase after delivery.
What Your People Will Learn
11 Modules + Qualifications covering every aspect of AI adoption, automation, and AI agent development
AI Ethics & Values
Build the business case for ethical AI adoption. Manage reputational risk, improve staff morale, and create trust across your organisation.
Governance, Law & GDPR
Navigate legal frameworks for automation, including employment rights, equality legislation, and data protection requirements with confidence.
Spotting Waste & Inefficiency
Map workflows, uncover hidden waste, and identify the highest-impact opportunities for AI and automation to transform outcomes.
Building for People
Augmentation, not Replacement. Design AI systems that enhance human capabilities without creating disruption. Make technology a true ally.
No-Code Automation Tools
Hands-on with low-code and no-code platforms. Select, configure, and deploy automation software and AI agents. No programming skills needed.
Change Management & AI Impact
Lead colleagues through automation-driven change with empathy, resilience, and buy-in. Foster inclusion throughout your organisation.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Use AI to analyse complex data and generate actionable insights. Make smarter, evidence-based decisions at every level.
Agile Testing & Piloting
Run AI and agent pilots from concept to delivery. Evaluate against budgets, iterate on feedback, and prove ROI before full rollout.
AI Risk & Security
Conduct assurance activities, apply governance frameworks, and implement risk mitigation to keep AI tools and agents safe and accountable.
Winning AI Support & Buy-In
Master the communication skills to advocate for AI-driven change. Influence leaders, colleagues, and boards with confidence.
Microsoft Copilot in Practice
Module 11 isn't a quick demo. It's hands-on mastery of Microsoft Copilot across the tools your team uses every day. By the end, they'll be the person everyone turns to for AI productivity tips.
Why this matters: Microsoft 365 Copilot licences cost employers £22/user/month, but most organisations see low adoption because staff don't know how to use it effectively. This module ensures your investment in Copilot actually pays off, with trained champions who can cascade best practice across the business.
Google Gemini in Practice
For organisations running on Google Workspace. Module 11 delivers hands-on Gemini mastery across the tools your team uses every day, plus preparation for the Google AI Essentials Certificate.
Why this matters: Google Workspace has over 3 billion users worldwide, but most organisations barely scratch the surface of what Gemini can do. This module turns passive users into AI-powered champions who can transform productivity across every department.
AI Agents: Build, Test, Deploy, Maintain
Agents are the next step beyond deterministic workflows: systems that decide, call tools and act on behalf of a human. Your people learn to design them safely, ship them, and keep them healthy in production. No coding required, every platform taught is no-code or low-code.
Evidenced against the standard: Agent content maps to KSBs S10 and S11 (designing, integrating and testing digital workflows using APIs, connectors or low/no-code integration) and to governance KSBs K10, K18, K27 and K29. Portfolio evidence comes from real agents your apprentice builds in your environment.
Employer Return on Investment
Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Here's what your business gains.
Your Learner Journey & End Point Assessment
15-Month Delivery + Gateway & EPA timeline, structured for real-world impact
End Point Assessment
Official ST1512 V2.0: Graded Pass or Distinction
Project
MandatoryDeliver a substantial AI or automation project solving a genuine business problem. Demonstrate you can identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and measure commercial impact.
Additional Assessment
At Least OneThe Assessment Organisation selects from four methods, ensuring flexible, authentic assessment of real-world skills built throughout the programme.
6 Assessment Outcomes
Every assessment method evaluates your competence across all six outcomes
Strategic & Ethical Adoption of AI Automation
Supports leaders in adopting AI responsibly by aligning solutions with organisational values, ethical principles, and workforce needs.
Solution Design & Development
Designs and configures AI and automation solutions using appropriate tools, platforms, and integration methods aligned with business needs.
Testing, Evaluation & Iteration
Assesses solution viability through testing, user feedback, and feasibility analysis. Iterates to optimise performance and reliability.
Governance, Assurance & Risk Management
Implements assurance activities, applies governance frameworks, and conducts algorithmic impact assessments for compliance and accountability.
Stakeholder Engagement & Workforce Enablement
Engages with diverse stakeholders to support inclusive adoption. Delivers training and communicates technical concepts accessibly.
Continuous Improvement & Change Delivery
Identifies opportunities to improve productivity through automation. Contributes to sustainable change and reports on outcomes.
Why Choose TESS Group
We set the gold standard for AI apprenticeship training
Ofsted Good Provider
Independently verified quality. Our training meets the highest standards of delivery, learner support, and outcomes.
4.9/5 on Google & Trustpilot
Exceptional learner satisfaction. Our reviews speak for themselves, consistently rated among the best in the UK.
Up to 5 Qualifications, All Level 3+
No other provider includes this calibre of accredited qualifications. Every one at Level 3 or above. A qualification stack no competitor can match.
Built for Non-Technical Professionals
Designed for HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and every department. No coding. No tech background required. Just real-world impact.
Microsoft Certification Partner
Including a globally recognised ecosystem certification (Microsoft AB-730 or Google AI Essentials), connecting your people directly to the platform they use every day.
Testimonial
"This programme doesn't just teach AI. It transforms how our entire team thinks about their work. The results have been immediate and measurable." — Programme Delegate, 2026
Enquire About the AI & Automation Apprenticeship Level 4
Fill in the form below and our team will be in touch within 1 working day. No obligation, no hard sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Level 4 AI & Automation Apprenticeship
Ready to get started?
Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Monthly starts. No coding required. Choose how you want to begin.
Related Reading
Trusted by leading employers across the UK
Trusted Partners & Awarding Bodies
Qualifications delivered and assessed by the industry's leading bodies
Microsoft
AI Industry Leader
Google
Gemini AI Platform
NCFE
Awarding Body
BCS
EPAO & Awarding Body
Ofsted
Good Provider
Not quite the right fit? Consider these AI programmes
This apprenticeship includes a 1-day AI Prompting Accelerator workshop as part of the programme, or you can book it as a standalone course for your wider team.