The apprenticeship programme at Vocate completely transformed my career prospects. After just six months, I was applying skills that would have taken years to develop through traditional routes. My employer was so impressed with my contributions that they've already discussed progression opportunities for when I complete my qualification.
AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship
Step into one of the fastest-growing career paths in the UK with our Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship. Over 15 months, you'll combine hands-on workplace experience with structured online learning, developing the skills to streamline business processes, implement AI-driven solutions, and drive genuine productivity improvements. Upon successful completion, you'll hold a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification that opens doors across every sector embracing digital transformation.
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AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship
details of the course
Course Duration:
15 Months (+EPA)
Qualification
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner (Level 4)
Delivery
Blended (Online + Self Study)
Every sector in the UK is looking for people who can make digital systems work smarter. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner programme gives motivated apprentices the chance to bring fresh ideas and practical digital skills into organisations that need them most. As a Level 4 qualification — equivalent to a Higher National Certificate — this programme combines real workplace experience with structured learning, offering a cost-effective route for businesses to build capable AI and automation talent whilst giving individuals a genuine career launchpad.
AI and Automation Practitioners play a vital role in helping organisations work more efficiently. They analyse existing workflows, identify where manual tasks, duplicated data entry, or disconnected tools are slowing things down, and then select and implement the right digital solutions to fix them. Working within operational teams, change delivery functions, or digital support roles, these practitioners use low-code and no-code platforms alongside AI tools to unlock measurable time and cost savings. Whether embedded within a single organisation or working for a consultancy, their focus is always on solving real problems that affect day-to-day performance.
On a typical day, you’ll work closely with colleagues across departments — from operations and finance to customer support and service delivery. You’ll engage with stakeholders to understand their pain points, map out existing processes, and recommend practical improvements. You’ll also liaise with external suppliers and digital tool providers when implementing new integrations. Reporting to team leaders or project owners, you’ll take ownership of specific tasks and projects, balancing independent work with collaborative problem-solving to ensure your solutions align with wider organisational goals.
The technical scope of this programme is broad and highly relevant to the current digital landscape. You’ll learn to configure and adapt tools such as automation platforms (including cloud SaaS and PaaS services), build and refine AI-driven solutions like chatbots and summarisation tools, and create integrated digital workflows using APIs, connectors, and low-or no-code methods. You’ll also develop expertise in prompt engineering, data analysis and preparation, algorithmic impact assessment, and ethical AI governance — ensuring every solution you deliver is not only effective but responsible and secure.
The programme culminates in an End-Point Assessment that demonstrates your ability to apply everything you’ve learned in a real-world context. Throughout the course, you’ll build a portfolio of evidence, develop documentation skills, and gain confidence in presenting technical concepts to non-technical audiences — all essential skills for progressing into senior digital, data, or AI roles.
Sign Up And Induction - Begin your journey with a comprehensive induction.
The first step in your apprenticeship journey involves completing the application process, meeting with your employer and training provider, and attending orientation sessions. During this stage, we'll establish your Individual Learning Plan, assess your current skills and knowledge, and introduce you to the key tools and platforms you'll use throughout your apprenticeship. You'll also meet your dedicated tutor who will support you throughout your learning journey.
Learning And Development - Develop essential skills through workplace practice and structured learning.
This is the main training phase of your apprenticeship, where you'll develop the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a successful . You'll spend 80% of your time applying your learning in the workplace, supported by regular check ins and lessons from your tutors. The remaining 20% is dedicated to off-the-job training through online learning modules, workshops and practical assignments. You'll build a diverse portfolio of content while receiving ongoing feedback and support.
EPA Preparation And Gateway - Prepare thoroughly for your assessment with expert guidance and practice.
As you approach the end of your training, we'll focus on preparing you for your End-Point Assessment (EPA). This includes finalising your portfolio of evidence, practising presentation skills, and ensuring you're confident with all aspects of the assessment process. Your employer and training provider will work together to determine when you're ready to enter the Gateway—the point at which all training is complete and you're prepared to undertake your EPA.
End-Point Assessment And Graduation - Demonstrate your skills through assessment and celebrate your achievement.
The final stage is your End-Point Assessment, conducted by an independent assessment organisation. You'll complete a project evaluation report, deliver a presentation with Q&A, and participate in a professional discussion. Upon successful completion, you'll graduate with your qualification. Your achievement opens doors to career progression and opportunities.
Kickstart Your AI and Automation Career with Our Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Programme Why An Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship? Intro Paragraph: Whether you're considering hiring an apprentice or thinking about enrolling in our Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner course yourself, our programme offers a range of benefits for both individuals and businesses.
- Hands-On Digital and AI Experience: Spend 80% of your time learning on the job, working directly with automation platforms, AI tools, and real business processes. You’ll gain practical experience configuring workflows, building integrations, and delivering measurable productivity improvements from the very start.
- Flexible Online Learning: Benefit from 20% dedicated online training that fits around your work schedule. Our structured modules cover everything from AI concepts and ethical governance to process mapping and stakeholder engagement, accessible wherever you are.
- Career Kickstart: Launch your career in one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. AI and automation skills are in demand across every industry, and this Level 4 qualification positions you for rapid progression into senior digital, data, and technology roles.
- Futureproof Your Business: Employers can develop their digital and technology teams with professionals trained in the latest AI and automation tools. Build internal capability to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive in an increasingly automated landscape.
- Convenience for Everyone: All learning modules are delivered online with self-study flexibility, making it straightforward for both apprentices and employers to integrate training with daily operations without disruption.
- Win-Win Opportunity: Apprentices gain practical experience and a nationally recognised qualification, while businesses access motivated individuals who deliver real operational improvements from day one
- Perfect for Aspiring AI Practitioners: Whether you’re starting your career, switching from another field, or upskilling within your current role, this programme is designed to take you from foundational understanding to confident, independent practice in AI and automation.
- Ethical AI Leadership: Develop specialist expertise in responsible AI adoption, algorithmic impact assessment, and workforce equality monitoring. You’ll learn to balance efficiency with fairness — a skill set increasingly valued by forward-thinking employers committed to transparent and accountable technology use.
- Versatile Technical Toolkit: Gain hands-on experience with a broad range of tools and approaches, from low-code and no-code automation platforms to API integrations, prompt engineering, chatbot development, and cloud-based AI services. You’ll graduate with a practical skill set that’s immediately applicable across sectors.
- Clear Progression Pathways: This apprenticeship opens doors to a wide range of career paths including roles such as Digital Automation Specialist, Process Automation Analyst, AI Integration Officer, or Digital Productivity Consultant — with further progression routes into Data Engineering, Data Science, and AI Data Specialist roles.