Digital and AI Apprenticeships

Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship

The AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship is designed to build the practical skills and knowledge needed to boost organisational productivity through automation, system integration, and AI.

Throughout the programme, apprentices learn how to assess existing workflows, spot inefficiencies, and design smarter digital solutions. The focus is on streamlining operations, reducing manual tasks, and enabling more informed, data-driven decision-making.

There’s also a strong emphasis on using automation and AI responsibly and ethically. Apprentices gain hands-on experience configuring digital tools, building automated workflows, and integrating systems, while supporting organisations as they adopt and adapt to new technologies.

Learner Enquiries

Employer Enquiries

Level

Level 4

Duration

18 months to gateway (Elevated programme)

Delivery

Online

Occupational Profile Duties Gateway to Completion Apprenticeship Assessment Portfolio Evidence What’s Included

Occupational Summary

Occupational Profile

AI and Automation Practitioners play a key role across a wide range of industries, particularly in organisations that rely on digital tools, online systems, and data-driven processes. Their focus is on supporting operational teams by identifying where automation, integration, and AI can improve efficiency.

At the heart of the role is solving real-world challenges. This might include reducing manual processes, eliminating duplicated data entry, connecting disconnected systems, or improving inefficient workflows. By introducing the right digital solutions, practitioners help organisations boost productivity, increase accuracy, and lower operational costs.

Day to day, they work closely with teams across the business, such as operations, customer service, finance, and service delivery, and may also collaborate with external suppliers or technology providers. They typically report to team leaders, service managers, or project owners, contributing to initiatives that enhance how the business operates.

Practitioners analyse existing systems, recommend improvements using low-code or no-code tools, and support the implementation of technologies like workflow automation platforms, AI-powered services, and cloud-based applications. They also play an important role in helping teams adopt these tools, whether that’s through training, guidance, or ensuring solutions are introduced in a safe and ethical way.

Who is This Course For?

This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals who are interested in digital technology, automation, and improving business processes through data and software solutions.

Previous experience in digital technology, data analysis, or process improvement can be beneficial but is not essential, as the apprenticeship provides structured training and workplace support.

Typical job roles include:

AI Integration Officer

Automation Enablement Consultant

Digital Automation Specialist

Process Automation Analyst

Digital Operations Technician

Technology Operations Coordinator

Digital Productivity Consultant

Workflow Solutions Assistant

Junior Innovation Consultant

Skills England Standard

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner ST1512 v2.1

Apprenticeship Standard

ST1512

Current Version

Version 2.1

Maximum Funding

£18,000

For the current occupational standard and end-point assessment information, visit Skills England.

View Skills England Standard

Employer-Focused Summary

The AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship enables organisations to develop in-house expertise in automation, digital integration, and AI-driven productivity improvements.

Apprentices learn how to analyse existing workflows and implement automation solutions that reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and enable teams to focus on higher-value work. By embedding automation skills within operational teams, organisations can accelerate digital transformation while maintaining responsible and ethical technology adoption.

This apprenticeship is suitable for organisations looking to:

Improve operational efficiency through automation and digital workflows
Reduce manual processes and duplicated data entry
Enhance productivity through AI-enabled tools and integrations
Support digital transformation and innovation across business functions
Develop internal capability in automation technologies and process optimisation

The programme also supports responsible AI adoption by embedding governance, ethical decision-making, and secure technology implementation practices.

Course Outcomes

Outcome of the Course

On successful completion of the AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship, apprentices will be able to:

Identify opportunities to improve organisational productivity through automation and digital technologies
Analyse business processes and map workflows to identify inefficiencies
Design and implement automated digital workflows using low-code or no-code platforms
Integrate digital tools, AI services, and automation technologies to improve operational efficiency
Develop and test automation solutions using APIs, connectors, and integration platforms
Create technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of digital tools
Evaluate the performance and effectiveness of automation solutions and refine them based on feedback
Apply ethical, responsible, and secure approaches to AI and automation deployment
Communicate technical solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Monitor productivity improvements and report on efficiency gains achieved through automation

Successful apprentices will develop the technical, analytical, and communication skills required to support organisations in implementing automation and AI solutions that improve efficiency and support digital transformation.

Occupational Duties

Duties

Identify practical opportunities for automation to improve operations and save costs, while considering fairness, transparency and the impact on employees.

Contribute to AI and automation solutions beyond low-code and no-code tools, working with technical specialists where necessary.

Evaluate available AI and automation tools and platforms against organisational needs.

Support workshops and design sessions to explore requirements and develop solutions with stakeholders.

Simplify business processes and design workflows that can benefit from AI or automation.

Configure and adapt low-code and no-code tools to address operational problems and improve efficiency.

Apply suitable AI and automation services, such as chatbots, summarisation tools and cloud platforms, to deliver value.

Develop, document and test connected digital workflows, preparing technical and user materials for different audiences.

Keep colleagues, managers and other stakeholders informed about progress and issues.

Provide training and user guidance for newly adopted tools, tailoring the format to different users.

Support teams with changes to working practices and the adoption of new AI and automation tools.

Monitor deployed automations and improve them in response to results and user feedback.

Measure and report productivity, efficiency and the benefits or limitations of automation initiatives.

Apply digital ethics, privacy, security and governance requirements, helping stakeholders document decisions and manage risks.

Keep up to date with developments, opportunities and risks in AI and automation to inform future work.

Entry and Employment

Course Requirements

Elevated sets out the following suitability and entry requirements for the programme. These are provider-facing course requirements, not the formal gateway-to-completion requirements.

Be employed in a role that supports digital operations, IT systems, or business process improvement
Have a good standard of English and Maths (or be willing to achieve Functional Skills if required)
Demonstrate an interest in technology, automation, and digital tools
Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Be comfortable using digital platforms, software tools, and data systems
Be willing to collaborate with colleagues across teams to improve processes and workflows

Gateway

Gateway to Completion

For ST1512 Version 2.1, the gateway to completion is the final checkpoint after the required training and apprenticeship assessment have been completed. The employer and provider confirm that all applicable completion requirements have been met.

Complete the required occupational training and apprenticeship assessment against the published standard and appointed assessment organisation’s specification.

The employer verifies that the apprentice has demonstrated the required occupational behaviours during the apprenticeship.

Meet the applicable English and maths requirements under the apprenticeship funding rules for the apprentice’s start date and circumstances.

Ensure the apprentice has met all relevant requirements for completion and that the employer and provider have checked their readiness and evidence.

Apprenticeship Assessment

ST1512, Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner Level 4

ST1512 Version 2.1 uses the revised apprenticeship assessment model. Assessment may take place at an appropriate point during the programme. A project is mandatory and the assessment organisation determines which additional method or methods are needed to cover the six assessment outcomes; there is no automatic fixed, post-gateway three-month EPA period.

The mandatory project assesses the apprentice’s ability to apply AI and automation to genuine workplace activity.
Any additional assessment methods and evidence requirements are specified by the appointed assessment organisation to ensure that all six outcomes are covered.
The assessment organisation determines the final apprenticeship assessment result in accordance with its approved Version 2.1 specification.

Apprenticeship Assessment

The published Version 2.1 assessment plan requires a project and allows the assessment organisation to select additional methods as appropriate:

Mandatory project, based on occupational AI and automation work.
Additional method or methods selected by the assessment organisation may include a presentation, simulated task, professional discussion, portfolio, or questions and answers.

After the required assessment, training and gateway-to-completion checks are satisfied, the apprentice may complete the Level 4 apprenticeship. Confirm the detailed method, timings and result criteria with the appointed assessment organisation.

Portfolio of Evidence Requirement

Portfolio of evidence

Elevated states that it uses e-portfolio software so candidates can upload work from site. This is a provider delivery and evidence-management arrangement, not by itself a compulsory ST1512 Version 2.1 assessment method.

If the appointed assessment organisation selects a portfolio as part of its assessment design, follow that organisation’s current specification for what evidence must be included and how it will be used.

Evidence may include

Examples of real workplace workflow analysis and process mapping, where required by the assessment organisation.
Documented designs, configurations and testing of AI or automation solutions, where required.
User guidance and training materials, where required.
Feedback, iteration and measurement of operational results, where required.
Ethical, privacy, security and governance records, where required.

What’s Included