The short version
- An apprenticeship is a job with training built in, so you need an employer.
- Already working? Ask your employer to fund it. You keep your job and your pay.
- Not working? Find an employer offering one, or join a provider's list.
- There's no upper age limit, and no degree or coding is needed.
What is an AI apprenticeship?
An AI apprenticeship is a paid job with structured training, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. The main one in England is the Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner apprenticeship, set by Skills England (ST1512). Level 4 is roughly the same level as the first year of a degree.
It usually takes 15 to 18 months. You learn to spot where automation saves time, put AI tools in properly, and use them safely with people's data. Most of the learning happens through a real project at work.
Who can do one?
- Anyone aged 16 or over. There's no upper age limit.
- You need to live in England and have the right to work here for the funding on this page to apply.
- You need a job, or a job offer, in a role where you'll use the skills.
- No degree, no coding. Being curious and comfortable with a spreadsheet is enough to start.
Not sure if you fit? Take the 30-second route check.
Route 1: you already have a job
This is the fastest route. Your employer funds the training, you stay in your role, and your project is about making your own job easier. For most small employers it's free if you're under 25 and £900 if you're 25 or over. Here's how the funding works.
How to ask your manager
Managers say yes to things that solve a problem. So lead with the time you'd save, not the qualification. Copy this and fill in the brackets:
Subject: An idea to get back [X] hours a week
Hi [manager],
I spend about [X] hours a week on [reports / rotas / chasing paperwork]. AI and automation could take a lot of that off my plate.
There's a funded Level 4 AI & Automation apprenticeship that would train me to do this properly and safely, with data protection built in. I'd stay in my role, and the main project would fix a real process here, so we'd see results before I finish.
If we don't pay the Apprenticeship Levy, it's free for apprentices under 25 and £900 for over-25s. Details: eev-training.com/ai-apprenticeship-uk
Could we talk about it this week?
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Route 2: you're looking for a role
- Search the official service. Employers advertise apprenticeships on Find an apprenticeship. Search "AI", "automation" or "digital".
- Join a provider's list. Training providers often hear about roles before they're advertised. Join our AI apprenticeship list.
- Look at entry roles with a route in. An admin, operations or business support job at a company open to apprenticeships can become an AI apprenticeship once you're in.
- Mention the money. If you're 16 to 24, small employers can get a £2,000 hiring payment for taking you on. It's worth knowing.
How much do AI apprentices earn?
If you already have a job, your pay stays the same. For new apprentices, the legal minimum is the apprentice rate: £8 an hour from April 2026 if you're under 19 or in your first year. After that, you move to the minimum wage for your age. Many employers pay more for a Level 4 role. You don't pay tuition fees.
What a week looks like
Most of your week is your normal job. Part of it is protected learning time: online sessions, coaching with your tutor and building your workplace project. That might be automating a weekly report, setting up a smarter way to handle enquiries, or cleaning up a messy process everyone hates.
Where it can lead
Typical next steps include AI and automation practitioner, automation analyst, digital transformation, process improvement and data roles. Because you finish with a real project and measurable results, you have something concrete to show in your next interview.
Ready to start? The next group starts on Monday 2 November 2026. Check your eligibility →
Five tips to stand out
- Show you've tried things. Build a simple automation or prompt that saves you time, and be ready to explain it.
- Talk about problems, not tools. "I cut a two-hour report to 20 minutes" beats "I know ChatGPT".
- Know the rules on data. Read our guide to using AI safely. Employers care about this.
- Be organised. This role is about making work flow better.
- Ask about the project. It shows you're thinking about results.
Quick answers
Can I do an AI apprenticeship without a degree?
Yes. You don't need a degree or coding experience for the Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner apprenticeship. Curiosity and being comfortable with a spreadsheet are enough to start.
Is there an age limit for an AI apprenticeship?
No upper age limit. Anyone aged 16 or over can do an apprenticeship. Funding is highest for apprentices aged 16 to 24, but people of any age can apply.
Can I do an AI apprenticeship while working full time?
Yes. It's designed for people already in a job. You stay in your role, your employer funds it, and part of your working week is set aside for learning and your workplace project.
How much do AI apprentices get paid?
Existing staff keep their current pay. New apprentices must be paid at least the apprentice minimum wage, which is £8 an hour from April 2026 for those under 19 or in their first year. Many employers pay more.
Where can I find AI apprenticeships in London?
Search the government's Find an apprenticeship service for AI, automation or digital roles, and join a training provider's list. EEV Training is based in Hackney and shares AI apprenticeship roles with people on its list.
Keep reading
Last updated . Funding rules are for England and can change. We check them against GOV.UK before every update. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.