AI Apprenticeships: A Complete Guide for 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a technology we interact with daily. When YouTube suggests your next video or TikTok curates your “For You” page, you’re seeing AI in action. The UK is a global leader in this field, and with the government’s AI Action Plan aiming to strengthen this position, there has never been a better time to get involved.

Government research shows that nearly one in six UK organisations have already adopted at least one AI technology. By starting an AI apprenticeship, you can get ahead of the curve and build a career in one of the world’s most innovative sectors.

What Kinds of Jobs Are in AI?

An AI apprenticeship can lead to a variety of exciting roles, including:

• AI Engineer: Develops new applications and systems that use AI to solve complex problems and improve efficiency.
• Machine Learning (ML) Engineer: A subset of AI, this role involves using large datasets to build systems capable of learning and making predictions. It requires skills in programming, data science, and statistical analysis.
• Data Scientist: Gathers, analyses, and interprets huge amounts of data to find patterns. They work closely with AI and ML teams to build and refine algorithms.
• AI Researcher: Uses and creates the mathematical models and techniques that form the foundation of AI, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
• Robotics Engineer: Since AI acts as a robot’s brain, these disciplines are closely linked. Robotics engineers train AI software to control a robot’s hardware and actions.
• AI Ethicist: A crucial role that focuses on the ethical implications of AI, ensuring it is used responsibly and without bias.

What Is an AI Apprenticeship?

These programmes teach apprentices how to develop AI strategies, make critical decisions, and master the technical skills of an AI data specialist. A significant part of the curriculum focuses on the ethical, professional, and legal aspects of using AI.

You might see these apprenticeships advertised under different titles, such as:

• AI Strategy Manager
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• Machine Learning Engineer

Routes into an AI Apprenticeship

There are several routes into an AI career, depending on your current level of education and experience.

• Level 3/4 Data Analyst Apprenticeships: A popular starting point. A Level 3 programme is ideal for employees in fields like IT, finance, or customer service looking to upskill. For those with some data analysis experience, a Level 4 programme provides a more advanced foundation. These courses typically last 18-21 months and serve as a direct pathway to higher-level AI studies.
• Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships: These programmes, like the one offered by the BBC, allow you to earn a full Bachelor’s degree while you work. Entry requirements are typically A-Level based.
• Level 7 Master’s Apprenticeships: This is the most advanced route. To apply for a Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship, you will usually need prior knowledge, a relevant degree, or have completed a lower-level data apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements For Level 6-7 apprenticeships, employers often look for A-Levels (or BTEC equivalents) in subjects like Maths and Computer Science. Beyond qualifications, you’ll need to demonstrate strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

Finding an AI Apprenticeship: Providers and Companies

While AI apprenticeships are still emerging, several excellent providers and companies offer them. You may need to be willing to commute or relocate.

Gov.uk

You can earn a Level 7 apprenticeship (equivalent to a master’s degree) by applying for a government apprenticeship. This programme lasts for 24 months, and you’ll earn £17,000 while learning how to analyse data, advise clients on AI and design algorithms.

QA

Apprenticeship provider QA has an Artificial Intelligence Data Specialist Higher Apprenticeship. You’ll qualify with a master’s degree qualification, and the course takes fifteen months. Courses start in January, April, July and October every year, so take a look now to secure your place.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Join the company for the four-year Data Science Apprenticeship, and you’ll learn how to use data ethically and combine it with AI and ML approaches to discover new medicines. This course has two huge benefits: you’ll earn a data science degree at the end and work with some of the best minds in the business.

BBC

Apply at the BBC to earn a Level 6 Data Science Degree Apprenticeship over 36 months. You’ll learn about predictive modelling using ML and AI, the foundations of data engineering and how to use big data tools. Most of the positions are based in Birmingham and London.

Health Data Research UK

Health Data Research UK is a national institute for health data science research. HDR UK has a partnership with education company Cambridge Spark. Together, they offer a Level 7 AI and Data Science Apprenticeship that enables you to earn an MSc while working with an employer of your choice.

A Quick Glossary of AI Terms

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): A broad term for systems that mimic human functions like learning and problem-solving.
• Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI that uses algorithms to allow machines to learn from data and complete tasks.
• Data Science: The study of data to identify patterns and extract insights, which are then used to train AI models.
• Algorithms: A set of instructions that tells a computer how to learn and make decisions on its own.
• Models: An AI program that uses mathematical formulas and data to make predictions about future events.

For Employers

If you are an employer looking to upskill your workforce, you may be able to use the apprenticeship levy to fund AI training. Depending on your organisation’s size, the government could fund all or part of the apprentice’s training costs, allowing you to develop talent either by hiring a new apprentice or enrolling an existing employee.