This page is an honest comparison of TESS Group and Solveway for AI apprenticeships in 2026. Both providers deliver the AI & Automation Practitioner standard (ST1512). Both are levy-funded. The differences worth knowing show up in programme breadth (TESS covers leadership and ML at higher levels, Solveway is concentrated at L3-L5), distinction rates, sector experience, and the type of UK employer each is built for.
Quick summary
Solveway for:
Recent specialist focus on AI apprenticeships at L3-L5. Award-winning AAT delivery (Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2026). Strong city-targeted positioning (Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester programme pages). Ofsted Good.
Solveway against:
Narrower portfolio (concentrated at L3-L5; no L6/L7 AI & ML offer). Less mature client base on AI specifically. Less leadership-focused (most programmes are practitioner-tier). Smaller organisation than TESS or BPP.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | TESS Group | Solveway |
|---|---|---|
| Ofsted rating | Good | Good |
| AI & Automation Practitioner L4 (ST1512) | ✓ Yes, flagship programme | ✓ Yes |
| AI for People Leaders L4 | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not currently |
| AI for Operations Leaders L4 | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not currently |
| AI & ML Fellowship L6 | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not currently |
| Strategic AI Leadership (L5) | ✓ AI Leadership Pathway (AU0009/10/11) | ✗ Not currently |
| AI tutor for apprentices | Coachy, ST1512 KSB-aware, EPA-safe, OneFile-native | No public learner-facing AI tutor brand |
| Distinction rate (AI standards) | 59% | Around national average (~20-25%) |
| Embedded qualifications | Up to 5 (BCS, Microsoft, NCFE, etc.) | Typically 1-2 |
| Closed cohort minimum | 8 learners | Varies |
| Delivery format | Live online (default) | Live online |
| Levy-payer cost | £0 net | £0 net |
| SME co-investment | 5% | 5% |
| Aggregate review rating | 4.9/5 (689 reviews) | Available on Trustpilot |
Where TESS Group wins
- Programme breadth across levels. TESS offers AI standards from L3 to L7 covering both technical AI (Practitioner, AI & ML Fellowship) and leadership (AI Leadership Pathway, AI for People/Operations Leaders). Solveway is concentrated at L3-L5.
- Distinction rate on AI standards. TESS hits 59% distinction (vs ~20% national average). Solveway publishes strong AAT distinction data but AI-specific distinction is closer to the national norm.
- Embedded qualification count. TESS L4 programmes embed up to 5 industry qualifications. Solveway typically embeds 1-2.
- Leadership-track depth. TESS’s AI Leadership Pathway (AU0009/AU0010/AU0011) at Level 5 has no Solveway equivalent. For senior leaders accountable for AI strategy, that gap matters.
- Sector experience. TESS delivers across UK clients including Papa John’s, EDF Energy, Financial Times, NHS England, TfL, DPD. Solveway’s AI client base is newer.
Where Solveway wins
- City-targeted positioning. Solveway has well-built city-specific programme pages (Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester) that suit employers concentrated in those areas.
- AAT recognition. Solveway won AAT Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2026, signalling strong delivery quality on AAT standards (less directly relevant to AI but a quality marker).
- Hyper-focused AI/IT/Data positioning. Smaller portfolio means tighter messaging if your single need is L4 ST1512.
Decision framework
You should pick TESS Group if:
- You need leadership AND practitioner training in one provider relationship
- You want the highest distinction rates on AI specifically
- You want maximum embedded qualifications per programme
- You're training a senior leadership cohort (Level 5) alongside builders (Level 4)
- Your team includes operations or people leaders managing AI workflows
You should pick Solveway if:
- You only need ST1512 (AI & Automation Practitioner) and nothing else
- You're based in Milton Keynes, Birmingham or Manchester and value city-led delivery
- You're already on AAT programmes and want to consolidate suppliers
Book a 30-minute comparison call
Bring your team profile, role mix, and levy budget. We'll show you which programme fits, even if that's a TESS programme, or a multi-provider strategy. No pressure, no hard sell.
Book a Discovery CallFrequently Asked Questions
Are Solveway and TESS Group both Ofsted Good?
Yes, both providers hold Ofsted Good ratings. At this rating tier, distinction rates and programme breadth are stronger differentiators than headline Ofsted scores.
Is Solveway cheaper than TESS for AI apprenticeships?
Net cost is identical. Both providers charge against the levy at the same maximum rate set by Skills England. Total funding is up to £15,000 for L4 programmes regardless of provider. Price isn't the differentiator; outcomes are.
Can I use Solveway for some apprentices and TESS for others?
Yes, multi-provider strategies are common. A typical pattern: Solveway for L4 practitioner apprentices in your IT team if their existing relationship works there; TESS for the leadership tier (L5 AI Leadership Pathway) and the broader portfolio across operations and people leaders.
What about distinction rates?
Distinction rate is the single best provider-quality indicator. National average is ~20%. TESS hits 59% on AI standards. Solveway publishes strong AAT distinction data; AI-specific distinction rates are closer to the national norm.
How quickly can each provider start a cohort?
TESS runs monthly rolling starts on most AI programmes. Solveway runs cohorts at city-level intake points. For levy expiry deadlines (April 2026 reform), starting fast matters.