For Learners & Apprentices

Your Career, Accelerated

Earn a salary while gaining up to 5 industry-recognised qualifications. No tuition fees. Real skills. From AI and data to leadership and coaching — build the career you want with TESS Group.

Find Your Programme → How It Works
£0
Tuition Fees
5
Qualifications Included
59%
Distinction Rate
4.9/5
Learner Rating
What You Get

More Than Just a Qualification

A TESS Group apprenticeship is a full career development programme — combining real work, expert training, and industry credentials.

🎓

Up to 5 Qualifications

Graduate with Microsoft, BCS, CMI, CIPD, and NCFE certifications alongside your apprenticeship standard — all included at no cost to you.

💰

Earn While You Learn

You work in a real role, earning a real salary from day one. There are no tuition fees — your training is fully funded through your employer’s Apprenticeship Levy.

💻

No Coding Required

Our AI programmes are designed for non-technical roles. If you work in HR, finance, marketing, or operations, you can learn to use AI tools without any programming background.

👥

Expert Practitioner Trainers

Learn from trainers who’ve done the job, not academics. Our industry practitioners bring real tools, case studies, and practical techniques from your sector.

🚀

Dedicated Support Team

Every learner gets a skills coach and technical mentor. Regular 1:1s, progress reviews, and help whenever you need it — from enrolment through to end-point assessment.

📈

Real Business Projects

80% of your time is in your role, applying skills immediately. You’ll work on real business challenges that make a visible impact — not hypothetical exercises.

Progression Pathways

Where Can an Apprenticeship Take You?

An apprenticeship isn’t a dead end — it’s a launchpad. Progress through levels, stack qualifications, and build a career path from practitioner to senior leader.

L3
Level 3 — Foundation

Starting Your Career

Team Leader, HR Support, Business Admin, Customer Service, L&D Practitioner. Build core professional skills and your first qualifications.

L4
Level 4 — Practitioner

Developing Expertise

AI & Automation, AI for People Leaders, Data Analyst, Project Manager. Apply advanced skills and earn Microsoft, BCS, CMI certifications.

L5
Level 5 — Management

Leading Teams

AI for Operations Leaders, Operations Manager, Coaching Professional, People Professional. Lead departments and drive organisational change.

L6–7
Level 6–7 — Senior

Strategic Leadership

AI & ML Fellowship, Senior Leader, Senior People Professional. Shape strategy, lead transformation, and earn CMI L7 or NVIDIA certifications.

Many of our learners progress through multiple levels with TESS — starting at L3 and building all the way to L7 senior leadership.

How It Works

Your Apprenticeship Journey

From your first conversation to completing your end-point assessment — here’s what to expect.

Week 1

Onboarding & Induction

Meet your skills coach and technical mentor. Set your learning goals, understand your programme structure, and get access to your learning platform and resources.

Months 1–3

Building Foundations

Weekly workshops with your trainer (online or in-person). Start applying new skills in your role immediately. Begin working towards your first qualifications.

Months 3–12

Developing Mastery

Deepen your expertise through real business projects. Complete portfolio evidence. Earn your embedded qualifications (Microsoft, BCS, CMI, NCFE). Regular progress reviews with your coach.

Months 12–15

Gateway & Assessment

Prepare for your End-Point Assessment (EPA) with dedicated support. Your coach guides you through portfolio submission, professional discussion, and any practical assessments.

Completion

Graduation & Next Steps

Achieve your apprenticeship standard, receive your qualifications, and plan your next move — whether that’s progressing to the next level, taking on a new role, or stepping into leadership.

What to Expect

A Typical Week as a TESS Apprentice

Apprenticeships aren’t like going back to school. You spend 80% of your time in your normal role and 20% on structured learning.

Monday–Thursday

In Your Role (80%)

Work in your normal job, applying what you’re learning directly. Use AI tools to automate tasks, build reports, or improve processes. Your skills coach checks in regularly to support you.

Friday (Typical)

Off-the-Job Training (20%)

Join live workshops with your industry practitioner trainer. Work on portfolio evidence, certification prep, and practical projects. Connect with your cohort and share what you’ve been applying in your role.

Throughout

1:1 Coaching & Support

Regular meetings with your skills coach to review progress, set goals, and get guidance on your portfolio and qualifications. You’re never on your own — support is always there when you need it.

Choose Your Path

27+ Programmes Across 5 Specialisms

Whether you’re interested in AI, leadership, HR, coaching, or business — there’s a programme designed for where you want to go.

🤖
AI & Data
Levels 3–6 • No coding required for L4
💼
Leadership & Management
Levels 3–7 • CMI & ILM qualifications
👥
HR & People
Levels 3–7 • CIPD qualifications
🏆
Coaching & Mentoring
Levels 5–7 • CMI & ILM certified
🛠
Business & Projects
Levels 3–5 • APM & improvement roles

Not sure which programme is right for you? Try the Programme Finder →

Learner FAQ

Common Questions from Learners

Am I eligible for an apprenticeship? ▼
If you’re employed in the UK (or about to start a job) and will be developing genuinely new skills through the programme, you’re likely eligible. There’s no upper age limit. You can be new to a role or have years of experience — what matters is that the apprenticeship teaches you something new. Most of our learners are existing employees being upskilled.
Do I need any prior qualifications? ▼
For most Level 3 programmes, no prior qualifications are required. For Level 4 and above, we look for relevant work experience rather than academic qualifications. For AI programmes specifically, you don’t need any coding or technical background — we build from foundations up.
How much time will I spend studying? ▼
You’ll spend approximately 20% of your working time (about one day per week) on off-the-job training. This includes workshops, self-directed study, and practical projects. The remaining 80% is in your normal role, applying what you learn. Your employer is legally required to give you this protected time.
Will I still be paid during the apprenticeship? ▼
Yes — you’re a full employee throughout. You receive your normal salary, including during off-the-job training time. There are no tuition fees at all. The training costs are fully covered by your employer’s Apprenticeship Levy (or 95% government-funded for non-levy employers).
What support will I get? ▼
Every learner gets a dedicated skills coach for regular 1:1 check-ins and progress reviews, a technical mentor for subject-specific guidance, access to our online learning platform, and a cohort of fellow learners to share experiences with. If you’re ever struggling, your coach is your first point of contact — we don’t let anyone fall behind.
How do I get started? ▼
Speak to your employer about funding an apprenticeship through the Apprenticeship Levy, or contact us directly on 01604 210 500 and we can explain the options to both you and your employer. If your employer is already a TESS client, ask them about enrolling on a programme — we have monthly starts available.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Find the right programme for you and take the first step. No tuition fees, up to 5 qualifications, and a career path that grows with you.

Find Your Programme → Speak to Us