Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner - Level 4 (Employer)

Coming soon - Autumn 2026

AI is becoming foundational technology — like digital skills or email were 20 years ago.

Companies need to have staff able to -

use AI tools effectively in their job
understand where AI can support their role
work alongside automation, not be replaced by it
bring fresh, future‑focused skills into the workplace

Employees who gain AI capability become an asset to your company from day 1

This apprenticeship could be used to upskill a member of your current team or for a new entrant into the business.

This apprenticeship is recognised throughout the sector and will equip your employee with the essential skills, knowledge and qualifications required for their role

Course information

During this course, the apprentice will learn a full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours including -

Set organisational values, policies, and strategy for ethical AI.
Build a business case around trust, reputation, staff morale, and long‑term sustainability.
Ensure transparent, fair, and accountable AI decisions.
Comply with employment rights, equality law, and responsible automation.
Adhere to GDPR, data protection, and security standards.
Understand ethical principles: fairness, transparency, accountability.
Assess impacts on job roles, especially for non‑technical staff.
Apply change management principles to support workforce transition.
Promote AI that augments, not replaces, human work.
Assess viability of automation projects.
Analyse processes and recommend improvements.
Configure and test solutions using AI and automation tools.
Iterate based on testing, feedback, and user needs.
Report on productivity gains and when automation isn’t beneficial.

see full aprenticeship standard at skills England

This apprenticeship standard contains a list of skills, knowledge and behaviours they will need to have learnt by the end of their apprenticeship.

Course duration

18 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment (EPA)

Funding and Incentives

Large Businesses

Employers from both the public and private sectors, with a payroll of more than £3 million, will have to pay a 0.5% into the levy fund to pay for apprenticeships. Levy-paying employers will be able to reclaim their contribution via their Digital Account Service to “pay” for apprenticeship training and assessments.

Small Businesses

If you hire a 16 to 24 year old Apprentice after 1 October 2026, you could be eligible to claim a £2,000 incentive payment from the Government

Employers who do not pay into the apprenticeship levy and employ an apprentice aged 16 to 21 years old will not be required to make any financial contribution towards their cost of training. If the apprentice is aged 22 or over, then the company would pay a 5% contribution (£900) payable in instalments if required.

16 to 18 Incentive Grant - all companies

All-sized businesses will receive a £1,000 cash incentive for employing a 16 to 18-year-old apprentice.

Contact us

Please call on 01482 615349 or email business@hullcc.gov.uk