AI Engineer

+ Level 7 AI Data Specialist Accelerated Programme (Optional)

🎓 Level 6 (Degree level)
⌛ 16 months + Assessment
💻 Live Virtual Learning (approx 2 hours training per week)
📊 Off The Job Training (approx 4 hours per week)
🏷️ £Free – £22,000 – Check Funding
⚡ Optional Level 7 Accelerated Programme

AI Engineer

Introduction

AI Engineers play a key role in gathering data from different sources to design, build, deploy and validate machine learning and / or AI solutions. They ensure that data is sourced responsibly and analysed to high standards, aligning machine learning solutions with organisational goals.

They work with a variety of professionals who collaborate to facilitate the successful development, deployment and adoption of machine learning and AI systems and models.

Our AI Engineer apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills to deliver clear technical support, communicate complex information to stakeholders and contribute to system documentation, outlining risks and mitigation in line with organisational standards.

⚡ Explore our optional Level 7 AI Data Specialist accelerated programme

Who can do this apprenticeship?

This AI Engineer apprenticeship is designed for individuals in any sector, who increasingly work with machine learning systems and AI automation.

Apprenticeship candidates are likely to be working as:

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Big Data Engineer
  • AI Engineer
  • Machine Learning Operations Engineer

Candidates will need to…

  • Be employed in or being hired into a job role with machine learning / AI responsibilities
  • Be working on machine learning projects to showcase their knowledge and skills
  • Have a good working knowledge of one programming language (e.g. Python)
  • Have some data knowledge
  • Have support from their employer to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week to training
  • Not hold a Level 6 machine learning qualification or similar

Live online learning

Our interactive live, online training model is designed to create a flexible learning environment without losing any of the benefits of in-person teaching. An apprenticeship with LearnTech typically looks like… 

  • Live weekly online sessions – 2 hours per week
  • Off-the-job training (OTJT) - Weekly hours are programme specific (see top of page)
  • Immersive learning experience through Microsoft Teams Classroom 
  • Maximum classroom size of 12 ensures a highly effective trainer to student ratio 
  • Monthly 1 to 1 mentor meetings
  • Maths and English - if required

▶️ Discover more with our 5 minute Typical Week in Training video.

Core content

  • Ensure safe, ethical and responsible implementation of machine learning and AI solutions
  • Plan and manage development of AI and machine learning applications, frameworks and data pipelines
  • Design, develop, test and refine intelligent systems, including prototyping, experimentation and performance tracking
  • Monitor and support AI and Machine Learning models in live deployment, ensuring stability and transparency
  • Manage and optimise Machine Learning and AI system resources, maintaining scalability, efficiency and sustainability
  • Deliver proactive and responsive technical support to minimise operational risk and ensure business continuity
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and AI / data teams, delivering clear updates and records at key decision points
  • Ensure compliance with data governance, ethical AI principles and cyber security
  • Stay current with AI, machine learning, data science and data engineering developments

For more information you can visit Skills England and browse the full Level 6 Machine Learning / AI Engineer Apprenticeship Standard.

Georgina Thomas

Senior Mentor / Trainer

Georgina is a senior mentor and trainer for the Level 7 AI Data Specialist, Level 6 AI Engineer and Level 4 Data Analyst programmes. She launched her career through a Level 6 Data Science apprenticeship, which sparked her passion for apprenticeships as a pathway to building practical skills. Georgina holds an MSc in Statistics. Her dissertation explored natural language processing and probabilistic topic modelling.

Previously, Georgina worked in the public sector, where she built data literacy, advanced data science skills across government departments and engaged in outreach initiatives to improve data capability in young people.

View Course Brochure

Level 7 Accelerated Programme Flyer

🆕 Level 7 AI Data Specialist Accelerated Programme (Optional)

We offer a top-up from the Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeship, to the full Level 7 AI Data Specialist qualification with our accelerated programme. This is delivered in collaboration with BCS – The Chartered Institute of IT. The top-up can be completed in just six months, providing an accessible pathway for individuals and organisations to achieve an Ofqual-regulated Level 7 AI qualification.

Explore our FAQ’s…

💡 Why is LearnTech offering this top-up?

Government funding for the Level 7 AI Data Specialist for most individuals aged 22 and over has been withdrawn, making the full apprenticeship more expensive. LearnTech’s accelerated programme provides an affordable, accessible top-up to achieve the same qualification.

📈 What is the Level 7 accelerated programme?

Our Level 7 accelerated programme allows apprentices who complete the Level 6 AI Engineer with LearnTech to achieve the full Ofqual-regulated Level 7 AI Data Specialist qualification in just six months.

⌛ How long does it take to complete the Level 7 accelerated programme?

This pathway consists of 6 weeks of additional training on Advanced Deep Neural Networks and Generative AI, followed by the full BCS Level 7 assessment, which takes up to 16 weeks.

🎓 Is this the full Level 7 qualification or just the additional module?

It’s the full Level 7 AI Data Specialist qualification, incorporating both the Level 6 modules already completed and the additional advanced training. The qualification is assessed and certified by BCS.

❓ Can the Level 7 accelerated programme be completed at any time?

Yes. While it’s recommended to start within 12 months of completing Level 6 to retain knowledge, individuals can undertake the accelerated programme whenever it suits them.

🧠 Can someone who completes the Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeship elsewhere use LearnTech for Level 7?

We offer enhanced Level 6 training which supports the progression to Level 7 and the BCS assessment. As curriculum content varies between providers, we cannot rely on external Level 6 programmes as evidence of readiness.

➕ Is the Level 7 accelerated programme mandatory?

No. The Level 6 apprenticeship is a stand-alone qualification and the Level 7 accelerated programme is completely optional.

ℹ️ How much does the Level 7 accelerated programme cost?

The total cost is £4,000 + VAT, covering both the additional 6 week training and the full BCS assessment.

🪙 Who can fund the Level 7 accelerated programme?

Funding can come from employers, individuals, or anyone willing and able to invest in the qualification.

Apprenticeship Timeline

The modules shown in the timeline below will be covered by all apprentices on this programme.

Use the arrows on each side below to navigate.

Initial Steps
Enquiry to Enrolment

📅 Typically 4 – 8 weeks

What happens:

The employer, apprentice and LearnTech design the bespoke apprenticeship training plan, and complete the required paperwork.

Training Module
Principles, Applications & Compliance

📅 6 weeks

Module focus:

Machine learning and AI key concepts, techniques and related legal and ethical considerations. 

Training Module
Programming & Tools

📅 5 weeks

Module focus:

A practical module covering some of the tools & techniques needed to develop machine learning models.

Training Module
Maths & Statistics

📅 2 weeks

Module focus:

Key mathematical and statistical theory underpinning the development of machine learning models.

Training Module
Application of Models

📅 17 weeks

Module focus:

Understanding of the theory and practical requirements when developing machine learning models.

Training Module
Cyber Security for Models

📅 3 weeks

Module focus:

Understand cyber security and threats in machine learning and securing documentation and asset lifecycle products.

Training Module
Deployment & Monitoring of Models

📅 6 weeks

Module focus:

Understand the tools used for and be able to deploy and monitor machine learning models.

Training Module
Data Engineering Principles

📅 6 weeks

Module focus:

Understand data engineering principles and be able to work with the data essential to machine learning models.

Training Module
Deep Neural Networks (Ess.)

📅 8 weeks

Module focus:

The fundamentals, architectures, backpropagation, optimisation, CNNs and RNNs applications of deep neural networks.

Training Module
Innovation & Collaboration

📅 4 weeks

Module focus:

How to manage machine learning projects and consider collaboration with teams, sustainability and EDI.

Training Module
Gateway & Assessment Prep

📅 3 weeks

Module focus:

Gateway is the evaluation period between completing training and final preparations for assessment.

Assessment
Level 6 Assessment

📅 4 months

What happens:

When all agree, the apprentice begins assessment, showcasing knowledge & skills through various methods (see brochure for details).

Level 7 Training Module
Deep Neural Networks (Adv.)

📅 6 weeks

Module focus:

Level 7 additional training module. Advanced Deep Neural Networks and Generative Artificial Intelligence.

Level 7 Assessment
Level 7 Assessment

📅 Up to 16 weeks

What happens:

Level 7 BCS assessment will commence. This assessment is the same as the full Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship assessment.

Onward Journey
Alumni & Continued Development

📅 After successful completion

What happens:

We’re keen to offer your apprentice support to develop further & opportunities to share their skills.

Why employers choose LearnTech…

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Ready to find out more?

Contact us to book a no obligation Information Session…

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I'm a Potential Apprentice (Employed)
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Employer Contact Form

 

Tech apprenticeships offer a great way for your business to develop skilled employees tailored to your organisation’s needs. We’re here to support you in all aspects of your tech and data apprenticeship needs.

If you’re ready for a no obligation Employer Information Session via Teams, or would just like more details at this stage, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!

Potential Apprentice (Employed) Contact Form

 

If you're currently employed in a role that offers experience related to the apprenticeship you’re interested in, please fill in the contact form below and we'll be in touch soon!

An apprenticeship is a job with training leading to a qualification. So, if you’re NOT currently employed in a suitable role, here are the three main ways to start an apprenticeship...

1 - Apply for an apprenticeship vacancy. Visit our Apprenticeship Vacancies Page to view our current opportunities. You can also explore all available apprenticeship vacancies in England using the government website findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk, where you can filter by your interests and location, plus save your searches and get email alerts for new vacancies.

2 - Talk to your current employer. If you're interested in an apprenticeship as part of your career development, speak with your employer. Following this, you can contact us to book an information session to find out more about the programmes you’re interested in.

3 – Approach another employer. Consider approaching a potential employer with a proposal to join their team as an apprentice. Many have succeeded with this approach, showing their enthusiasm for work and learning.

For more information about becoming an apprentice, explore our Apprentice Guide.

We wish you the best of luck in your future career 🙂

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AI & Data Apprenticeships

Essential skills, applied learning, real impact

From Excel, Power BI and data visualisation to data management systems, machine learning and AI, our programmes equip individuals with the tools to grow, while adding value in the workplace.

➡️ Employers - book an information session with us to explore how apprenticeships can support your team.
➡️ Team members - talk to your employer about getting started.

Employer comments

For more employer information (including funding) please visit our Employer Guide, or contact us.