Master AI-driven automation, data intelligence, and change management to transform operations, cut costs, and lead your team through digital transformation.
5 Industry Credentials:
See how operations leaders are using live workshops and hands-on AI training to transform the way their teams work.
Learn where AI delivers ROI: supply chain optimisation, demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, quality control automation. Not buzzwords—concrete operational wins.
Master change management, conflict resolution, and stakeholder buy-in. Your team needs to believe in AI adoption—this programme teaches you how to lead that conversation.
By the end, you'll deliver a workplace AI project proving the value. Your apprentice emerges with a portfolio showing impact—cost savings, efficiency gains, risk reduction.
Whether you manage a council department, a charity programme, or a commercial operation — if your role involves leading teams, improving processes, and delivering results, this apprenticeship is for you.
Councils, NHS trusts, housing associations — use AI to streamline service delivery, reduce backlogs, and make better use of public resources.
Across any sector — automate workflows, improve scheduling, and use data to drive performance and hit KPIs consistently.
Charities, social enterprises, public bodies — apply AI to programme delivery, impact reporting, and resource allocation at scale.
Identify bottlenecks, automate repetitive tasks, and embed AI into your organisation's culture of continuous improvement.
Private sector leaders — use AI for forecasting, customer insights, supply chain efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Health, care, and community services — improve outcomes through AI-assisted triage, capacity planning, and performance monitoring.
Optimise buildings, energy, and space across corporate, public, or charity estates with AI-driven automation and analytics.
Any regulated environment — strengthen governance with AI-powered audit, compliance monitoring, and risk detection.
Industry-recognised credentials that stick with your apprentice beyond the role. Each qualification builds expertise across AI, leadership, data, cybersecurity, and business acumen.
Structured around real operations challenges. Each module blends AI skills with leadership competencies, ensuring your apprentice emerges ready to lead transformation.
Investing in an AI-ready operations leader pays measurable dividends.
CMI, NCFE, Microsoft—all bundled
Leadership + AI + Operations
Learn, apply, assess—real impact
Other providers deliver AI training. We integrate leadership development across all 14 modules. Your apprentice emerges as both an AI practitioner AND a qualified operations leader.
Not generic AI. Every module speaks to supply chain, logistics, production, quality control, and process optimisation. Real examples. Real ROI.
Your apprentice doesn't just learn—they deliver an AI & automation project in your business. End-to-end: scope, implement, measure, present results to the board.
| Feature | TESS Programme | Typical Provider | In-House Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMI Level 5 Leadership | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Microsoft AI Credential | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Operations-Focused Content | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| NCFE Certifications (Cyber, Data, AI) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Workplace AI Project (Real ROI) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Independent Assessment (EPA) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 100% Levy Funded | ✓ | ✗ | Cost to company |
| Portable Qualifications | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dedicated Training Partner | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Delivered through partnerships with industry leaders and awarding bodies.
Independent assessment aligned to the ST1512 V2.0 Assessment Plan. Your apprentice demonstrates occupational competence across six assessment outcomes.
Assessment Organisation: 1st for Awarding (independent EPAO regulated by Ofqual)
The apprentice completes a workplace AI & automation project. This is the core assessment method required by the standard.
At least one additional method is selected from: Presentation, Professional Discussion, Simulated Task, or Portfolio — ensuring all six assessment outcomes are fully evidenced.
Strategic & Ethical AI Adoption • Solution Design & Development • Testing, Evaluation & Iteration • Governance & Risk Management • Stakeholder Engagement • Continuous Improvement & Change Delivery
Performance assessed across four categories: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Regulatory & Procedural Awareness, and Communication & Collaboration.
Apprentice meets gateway requirements. TESS and employer confirm readiness. Project scoped and evidence gathering begins.
Apprentice completes their workplace AI & automation project. Supporting evidence compiled for additional assessment methods.
1st for Awarding conducts the EPA: project assessed plus additional method(s). All six assessment outcomes evidenced.
Graded Pass or Distinction awarded. All 5 qualifications conferred. Apprenticeship complete.
Everything you need to know about the AI for Operations Leaders programme.
Find the right AI apprenticeship for your team
AI-powered team leadership with CMI qualifications. For HR, L&D, and people managers.
AI-driven operational excellence with CMI qualifications. For operations and departmental managers.
Hands-on AI and automation skills for every department. Build, deploy, and optimise AI solutions.
Deep learning, NLP, computer vision and MLOps. For technical AI and ML engineering roles.
Start the conversation. Let's discuss how this programme fits your business goals and your operations team's needs.