Activate Learning has launched its new Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship, with an inaugural cohort of 25 apprentices beginning the programme.
Delivered through Activate Business School, the apprenticeship has been designed to equip people with the practical skills and confidence to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and automation effectively and responsibly within their organisations.
The launch comes as organisations across a wide range of sectors explore how AI can improve productivity, streamline processes and support their workforce, while also navigating important questions around governance, risk, bias and responsible adoption.
Education has a role to play in AI
Gary Headland DL, Chief Executive at Activate Learning, said: “Artificial intelligence is changing the world of work at remarkable pace, and education has a vital role to play in ensuring that people and organisations have the skills and confidence to respond to that change.
“The launch of our Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship is an important step in that journey. What particularly excites me about this programme is its emphasis on application. Our apprentices will be taking their learning back into the workplace, identifying genuine challenges and exploring how AI and automation can be used to address them responsibly.
“I am delighted to welcome our first cohort of 25 apprentices and look forward to seeing the impact they make within the organisation as the programme progresses.”
AI application in real working environments
Rather than requiring an advanced technical or coding background, the programme focuses on the practical application of AI and automation in real working environments.
Throughout their apprenticeship, the cohort will learn how to identify and prioritise opportunities for automation, map and improve processes, use AI tools and platforms, test and evaluate solutions, manage risk and governance, and support the adoption of new technologies across their organisations.
Crucially, each apprentice will identify a genuine challenge within their workplace and develop an AI-powered solution, allowing them to put their learning into practice and demonstrate measurable organisational impact.
The apprenticeship also forms part of Activate Learning’s work as a spoke partner of the Digital and Technology Excellence College (DTEC), led by Milton Keynes College, supporting the development of digital and technical skills and contributing towards the programme’s wider outcomes.
Supporting digital and technical skills
The programme combines live online masterclasses with AI labs, experiential workshops, one-to-one support and practical workplace learning.
The first cohort was also joined by Rob May, founder and Executive Chairman of ramsac, one of the UK’s leading managed security service providers. Rob attended the launch and presented each apprentice with a copy of his book, AI Ate My Hamster, giving them an additional resource as they begin their learning journey.
Responsible AI is embedded throughout the programme, with apprentices developing an understanding of areas including governance, information security, bias, risk management and the relationship between people and AI systems.
The apprenticeship forms part of Activate Business School’s work with employers to develop the skills and capabilities they need within their existing workforce and respond to emerging skills requirements.
Preparing a workforce for the future
Laura Cooper-Clarke, Admissions Manager at Activate Learning, said: “Hearing from the guest speaker, Rob May was a great reminder and opportunity to hear that AI can make our jobs easier without taking away the human touch.
“Seeing the 25 faces from across the business on the course was exciting too, it’s amazing to think about the impact our projects could have and how many AI conversations we’re all about to have.”
The launch reflects Activate Learning’s wider commitment to working with employers to respond to emerging skills needs and prepare people for a rapidly changing world of work.
A further cohort of external apprentices will begin the Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship this academic year.
