- Qualification
- Level 4 (ST1512)
- Length
- 15 to 18 months
- Cost to apprentice
- £0
- Employer cost
- £0 under 25 · £900 for 25+
- Coding needed
- None
- Next group
- Monday 2 November
The short answer
What is an AI apprenticeship?
An AI apprenticeship is a paid, government-funded way to get qualified in AI and automation while you work. EEV Training's AI & Automation Practitioner apprenticeship is a Level 4 qualification, built on the national ST1512 standard. It takes 15 to 18 months and is built around a real project in your workplace, so the results show up before you finish.
What you learn
- 01Spot where automation saves timeMap how work really gets done and find the jobs worth automating first.
- 02Put AI solutions in properlyBuild and roll out automations and AI tools people actually use, with low-code and no-code tools.
- 03Do it safely and ethicallyData protection, GDPR and responsible AI from day one.
- 04Deliver a real workplace projectCut admin time or tidy up a messy process, with measurable results. See 10 admin tasks to start with.
Includes free subscriptions to key AI tools, so you learn on the technology you'll use at work. Leads to AI lead, automation, digital transformation and data roles. Wondering if a short course would do instead? Compare the two.
Your route
How it works for you
Three routes into the same apprenticeship. Pick yours to see what happens next, and try the quick check.
For employers
Upskill someone you already trust, or hire a new AI apprentice. We handle the funding paperwork.
- Today60-second checkAnswer three quick questions to see your cost.
- Within 1 dayA short call with our AI expertWe look at where admin eats your team's time and who suits the programme.
- Before startWe sort the fundingLevy or not, we do the paperwork and confirm your exact cost.
- 2 NovemberYour apprentice startsLearning fits around work. Free AI tool subscriptions included.
- Months 3 to 18Workplace projectThey automate a real process, so you see results before they finish.
Quick check
What would it cost you?
Training is free for apprentices aged 16 to 24 at non-levy employers.
Non-levy employers: free for apprentices aged 16 to 24, 5% of the £18,000 funding band (£900) for 25+. £2,000 hiring payment for a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 who joined no more than 90 days before starting. Full funding guide.
For people already in a job
You keep your job and your pay. Your employer funds it. Most of the work is a project that makes your job easier.
- TodayBuild your caseUse the tool to write a short email to your manager.
- This weekTalk to your managerWe can join the conversation or send them the details.
- Within 1 dayEligibility check with our AI expertA short call to confirm you and your role are a fit.
- 2 NovemberYou startLearning fits around your job, with free AI tool subscriptions.
- 15 to 18 monthsQualifiedLevel 4, plus a project that proves what you can do.
Make the case
Write the email to your manager
More tips on getting a yes in our guide: how to get an AI apprenticeship.
For people looking for an AI apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a job with training built in, so you need an employer. Here's how to get there.
- TodayQuick checkThree questions to see which route fits you.
- This weekJoin our AI apprenticeship listWe'll share AI apprenticeship roles with employers we work with as they come up.
- When matchedApply and interviewWe help you get ready for the employer conversation.
- StartEarn while you learnA paid job, a Level 4 qualification, no tuition fees.
- AfterYour careerAI lead, automation, digital transformation and data roles.
Quick check
Which route fits you?
You'll need an employer to do an apprenticeship. Join our list and we'll share AI apprenticeship roles as they come up. Employers can get £2,000 for hiring you.
You can also search roles on the government's Find an apprenticeship service.
Cost and funding
How much does an AI apprenticeship cost?
For most small employers, nothing for apprentices under 25 and £900 for apprentices aged 25 and over. Apprentices never pay. Employers who don't pay the Apprenticeship Levy also get £2,000 for taking on a new apprentice aged 16 to 24. Read the full 2026 funding guide.
| Your situation | Training cost | Hiring payment |
|---|---|---|
| Non-levy employer, apprentice aged 16 to 24, new hire | £0 | +£2,000 |
| Non-levy employer, apprentice aged 16 to 24, existing staff | £0 | None |
| Non-levy employer, apprentice aged 25 or over | £900 (5%) | None |
| Levy-paying employer | From your levy (2026 changes) | None |
| The apprentice | £0 | Paid a wage |
| AI apprenticeship | Short AI course | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Level 4, national standard | Certificate of completion |
| Length | 15 to 18 months with support | Hours or days |
| Real project at work | Yes, with measured results | Rarely |
| Data protection and safe use | Built in throughout | Varies |
| Cost | Government-funded | Usually paid |
Funding rules are for England. The £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment applies to non-levy employers for apprentices aged 16 to 24 who start on or after 1 October 2026 and joined the employer no more than 90 days before the apprenticeship starts. It's paid through the training provider after the first 90 days. Sources: GOV.UK apprenticeship service and the Growth and Skills Levy factsheet.
Start here
Check your eligibility in under a minute
Three quick questions. No long forms. Our AI expert gets back to you within one working day.
- Your exact cost or funding, in writing
- Whether you or your apprentice are eligible
- A start date. The next group starts Monday 2 November.
Starts in 00 days
Prefer to talk? Call 07932 911800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
FAQ
AI apprenticeship questions, answered
What is an AI apprenticeship?
An AI apprenticeship is a paid, government-funded way to get qualified in AI and automation while you work. EEV Training's AI & Automation Practitioner apprenticeship is a Level 4 qualification that takes 15 to 18 months and teaches you to spot where automation saves time, put AI in properly and use it safely.
How much does an AI apprenticeship cost?
For employers who don't pay the Apprenticeship Levy, training is free for apprentices aged 16 to 24. For apprentices aged 25 and over the employer pays 5% of the £18,000 funding band, which is £900. Levy payers use their levy. Apprentices pay nothing. See the full funding guide.
Can I do an AI apprenticeship if I already have a job?
Yes. It's designed for people already in a job who are being asked to make things run more efficiently. You stay in your role, your employer funds it, and you learn on real work. Write the email to your manager, or read how to get an AI apprenticeship.
Do I need a degree or coding experience?
No. You don't need a degree or coding experience. The programme uses low-code and no-code tools. Curiosity and being comfortable with a spreadsheet are enough to start.
How long does the AI apprenticeship take?
It usually takes 15 to 18 months, followed by an independent end-point assessment. The next group starts on Monday 2 November 2026.
Is there a £2,000 payment for hiring an AI apprentice?
Yes, for non-levy employers. The apprenticeship hiring payment gives £2,000 for an apprentice aged 16 to 24 who starts on or after 1 October 2026 and joined the employer no more than 90 days before the apprenticeship starts. There's nothing to apply for, and it's paid through the training provider after the first 90 days.
What jobs can an AI apprenticeship lead to?
It leads into AI lead roles, automation, digital transformation and data roles, such as AI and automation practitioner, automation analyst or process improvement analyst.
How is an AI apprenticeship different from a short AI course?
A short course teaches tools. An AI apprenticeship gives a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification, 15 to 18 months of support, a real workplace project with measurable results, and is government-funded. See the full comparison.
Is it safe to use AI with sensitive data at work?
Only when it's done properly. Data protection, GDPR and responsible AI are core parts of the apprenticeship, so apprentices learn to use approved tools, anonymise data and keep a person responsible for decisions. Read our guide to using AI safely in care homes.