AI Data Specialist

๐Ÿ“ข Funding update

From January 2026, Level 7 government funding ended for most learners aged 22 and over. Our enhanced Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeship includes the option to achieve the full Level 7 AI Data Specialist qualification through one additional module and assessment.

๐ŸŽ“ Level 7 (Masters Level)
โŒ› 15 months + Assessment
๐Ÿ’ป Live Virtual Learning (approx 2 hours training per week)
๐Ÿ“Š Off The Job Training (approx 5.5 hours per week)
๐Ÿท๏ธ ยฃFree – ยฃ17,000 – Check Funding

Data Technician
๏š

Introduction

AI Data Specialists champion AI and its applications within their organisation and promote adoption of novel tools and technologies, informed by current data governance frameworks and ethical best practices.

They carry out applied research in order to create innovative data-driven AI solutions. They work with datasets that are too large, too complex, too varied and/or too fast for traditional approaches and techniques.

Our apprenticeship is designed to enable individuals to devise data-driven AI solutions, automate and optimise business processes and to support, augment and enhance human decision making.

๏”‰

Who can do this apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals working in a position which requires them to create AI solutions and provide advice on the use of AI.

Apprenticeship candidates are likely to be working as:
  • AI Engineer
  • AI Specialist
  • AI Strategy Manager
  • Machine Learning Engineer / Specialist

Candidates will need to…

  • Be employed in or being hired into a job role with AI creation responsibilities
  • Undertake a real-word AI project to showcase their knowledge
  • Have Level 6 (Degree Level) knowledge, or equivalent, in technical content such as computer science or mathematics
  • Not have already undertaken an AI or machine learning project for a business
  • Have support from their employer to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week to training
  • Have a high-level understanding of maths and English (extra training can be given)

โœ… Core content

  • Understand the AI landscape including ethics, privacy and impact
  • Devise data driven AI and machine learning solutions for decision support
  • Utilise different types of machine learning models and techniques
  • Build products that solve complex problems
  • Use ensemble methods and undertake model evaluation
  • Develop advanced level Python, NumPy and pandas
  • Understand and apply neural networks and deep learning
  • Undertake projects in an agile environment, and collaboratively maintain technical standards within AI solutions
  • Lead research into AI and ongoing potential application

For more information you can visit Skills England and browse the full Level 7 AI Data Specialist Apprenticeship Standard.

โž• Additional Teaching

To equip apprentices with the skills needed for success in the industry, we’ve developed the curriculum to include the following additional teachingโ€ฆ

  • Generative AI
  • Feature engineering
  • Hyperparameter tuning
  • Building vs. buying AI
  • Semi-supervised machine learning
  • Deep neural networks including PyTorch
  • Extra AI algorithms such as evolutionary, search, expert systems and graph
  • Data Science Toolbox (Python, NumPy, pandas, Scikit-Learn)

๐ŸŸข 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 likeโ€ฆย 

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

โ–ถ๏ธ Discover more with our 5 minute Typical Week in Training video.

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

View Course Infographic

Key information all on one page…

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

๐Ÿ“… Typically 4 – 8 weeks

What happens:

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

Training Module
AI in Society & Workplace

๐Ÿ“… 5 weeks

Module focus:

An introduction to the impact of AI, its use, the future and the role and responsibilities of an AI Specialist.

Training Module
Python, Tools & Development Lifecycle

๐Ÿ“… 5 weeks

Module focus:

Developing the fundamental skills required to create AI models for business use.

Training Module
Machine Learning & Data Processing

๐Ÿ“… 12 weeks

Module focus:

Practise building baseline AI model for business following methodical steps, justifying decisions.

Training Module
Project Management & AI Model Choice

๐Ÿ“… 5 weeks

Module focus:

From theory to practice and the successful delivery of AI projects.

Training Module
Maths & Statistics Recap

๐Ÿ“… 2 weeks

Module focus:

Strengthen the understanding and practical application of mathematics and statistics forย AI in organisations.

Training Module
Neural Networks & Deep Learning

๐Ÿ“… 8 weeks

Module focus:

The business benefit of using deep learning and the applicability within own organisation.

Training Module
Scientific Method

๐Ÿ“… 6 weeks

Module focus:

Ensure AI models are built from justified business assumptions and when to use the scientific method.

Training Module
Data, Software & Engineering

๐Ÿ“… 8 weeks

Module focus:

Understand the importance of data for AI and recognise the skillsets of complementary roles, e.g. data engineers.

Training Module
System Architecture of AI

๐Ÿ“… 5 weeks

Module focus:

Design and refine data storage architectures and build systems that deliver AI that meet user requirements.

Training Module
Leadership Skills

๐Ÿ“… 3 weeks

Module focus:

Gain awareness of how leadership can drive AI benefits and advocate best practice for AI in a business.

Training Module
Build AI Models

๐Ÿ“… 7 sessions x 1 hour

Module focus:

Practice building AI model(s) for business use from end to end โ€“ problem(s) to be solved are decided by students.

Training Module
Gateway & Assessment Prep

๐Ÿ“… 3 weeks

Module focus:

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

Assessment
Apprenticeship Assessment

๐Ÿ“… Up to 6 months

What happens:

The apprentice demonstrates their knowledge and skills against the apprenticeship criteria, through various methods, to gain their qualification.

Onward Journey
Alumni & Continued Development

๐Ÿ“… After successful completion

What happens:

Weโ€™re keen to offer your apprentice support to develop further & opportunities to share their skills.

Why employers choose LearnTech…

A banner illustrates four points: "Full access to our trainers if you want to talk tech" with a computer icon, "No salespeople" with a crossed-out figure, "Employer-designed delivery model" with a network icon, and "Science-backed training" with a brain icon.

Ready to find out more?

Contact us to book a no obligation Information Session…

I'm an Employer
I'm a Potential Apprentice (Employed)
I'm a Potential Apprentice (Not Employed)

Employer Contact Form

 

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

If youโ€™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 weโ€™ll be in touch!

Potential Apprentice (Employed) Contact Form

 

If you're currently employed in a role that offers experience related to the apprenticeship youโ€™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 youโ€™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 youโ€™re interested in.

3 โ€“ 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

Trusted by…

Micro businesses to the largest employers in England…

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.

โžก๏ธ Employers - book an information session with us to explore how apprenticeships can support your team.
โžก๏ธ 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.