AI & Automation Specialist
Master business process analysis and responsible AI deployment with the government-funded Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner (ST1512). This programme equips you to automate workflows and drive innovation, qualifying you for roles like AI Strategy Lead and Automation Specialist.
Delivery
Blended
AI & Automation Specialist Apprenticeships in Reading
Within Reading and the Thames Valley, employers and learners can access the AI & Automation Specialist apprenticeship as a gateway into Artificial Intelligence careers within one of the UK’s leading technology and business corridors.
Reading sits at the centre of the Thames Valley tech and finance hub, home to a high concentration of IT services, data driven businesses, global corporations and professional services firms. From organisations based in Reading town centre and Green Park, to employers across Wokingham, Bracknell and Maidenhead, demand for Artificial Intelligence skills remains consistently high.
The AI & Automation Specialist apprenticeship is ideal for Reading based employers operating in fast paced, digital or regulated environments, where apprentices can apply their learning to live systems, financial platforms and data tools.
We also support apprentices living in Bracknell, Wokingham, Slough and Newbury, with Reading acting as a key employment hub for the region.
All AI & Automation Specialist apprenticeships in Reading are delivered through online learning, remote teaching and structured workplace training, allowing apprentices to complete the 20%off-the-job requirement without leaving their role.
If you are based in Reading or nearby and would like to explore a AI & Automation Specialist apprenticeship, we can explain how local delivery works and how to get started.
Why train in South East?
Solveway partners with leading Artificial Intelligence employers across the South East area, offering local mentorship and networking events near you to ensure you build a professional network right where you live.
Overview
The Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner (ST1512) is for people who want to make work run better using automation and practical AI to remove friction, cut waste, and speed up everyday processes. It’s not about becoming a heavy-coding software engineer. It’s about becoming the person who can spot what’s slowing a team down and then build a safe, compliant solution that fixes it.
If you’re the “Excel power user” in your team, the one who’s always thinking “there’s got to be a quicker way”, this apprenticeship turns that instinct into a real, recognised skillset.
What You'll Learn
You’ll learn how to go from “We should improve this process” to “It’s now automated and working”, with a strong focus on real workplace systems.
- Spotting automation opportunities: Mapping processes, finding bottlenecks, and choosing what to automate first (the high-impact wins).
- Building workflows with low-code tools: Designing automations using tools like Make and n8n, plus integrations and connectors that link platforms together.
- Using AI safely and usefully: Creating prompts that produce consistent outputs, and embedding AI into workflows (for example: turning messy emails into structured data).
- APIs and integrations (without needing to be a developer): Connecting business apps so data moves cleanly between systems.
- Governance, security, and responsible AI: Data protection, confidentiality, and fair adoption so solutions are safe, compliant, and trusted.
- Change management and adoption: Getting buy-in from colleagues, handling concerns, and rolling out improvements that actually stick.
Assessment & EPA
Assessment happens through an End-Point Assessment (EPA) after the apprentice is ready (Gateway). The EPA is designed to prove they can deliver real improvements, not just talk about them.
Typical EPA structure includes:
- A work-based project: A substantial piece of work that solves a genuine workplace problem usually including discovery, design, build, testing, and evaluation.
- A professional discussion: An assessor explores decisions, ethical considerations, security, stakeholder engagement, and how the apprentice worked in practice.
Career Progression
This apprenticeship is a launchpad into roles that sit between operations and technology, exactly where modern organisations are investing.
Typical next steps include:
- Automation / Workflow Specialist
- AI & Automation Practitioner
- Process Automation Analyst
- Digital Transformation Coordinator
- Automation Lead (departmental)
From there, progression often splits into two directions:
- Technical route (deeper engineering): Move towards more technical standards and roles (data engineering, machine learning engineering, solutions architecture), especially if you discover you enjoy the “under the hood” work.
- Strategic route (leadership and transformation): Move into digital transformation leadership, product ownership, continuous improvement leadership, or transformation programme roles, shaping how whole teams and departments adopt automation responsibly.
Either way, you’re building a rare combination: process expertise + automation capability + responsible AI awareness and that combination tends to accelerate career growth quickly.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open for the next intake. Takes less than 2 minutes to register your interest.
Check Eligibility
Do you have the Right to Work in the UK & been resident for 3+ years?
Are you currently studying another funded qualification?
You cannot be funded for two apprenticeships/courses simultaneously.
Do you have grades A*-C (9-4) in GCSE Maths & English?
If no, Functional Skills will be included in your programme.
Full Entry Requirements
Level 4 apprenticeships are designed for those progressing into more technical or supervisory roles.
Applicants will typically:
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject or have substantial industry experience
- Be working in a role aligned to the apprenticeship standard
- Have employer support to complete off-the-job training
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years (for funding eligibility)
- Not be studying another funded qualification at the same time
Entry requirements may vary by programme and employer. All applicants will complete an initial assessment to confirm suitability and ensure the apprenticeship is the right level and fit.
For Employers
This apprenticeship helps you build in-house capability to deliver automation and AI improvements where the work actually happens, in operations, finance, HR, marketing, admin, customer service, and beyond.
What employers get:
- Practical productivity gains: Apprentices automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and speed up workflows (often delivering “quick wins” within months).
- Better use of existing systems: Rather than buying another platform, teams learn to connect what you already have and make it work harder.
- Reduced “Shadow AI” risk: Instead of staff using ungoverned tools ad-hoc, you develop trained practitioners who understand secure and responsible use.
- A real project delivered as part of the programme: The work-based project is focused on genuine business value meaning you get a tangible output, not just training hours.
- Retention and engagement: People stay where they can grow. This creates a clear progression path for high-potential staff who want to modernise the way you work.
Ready to launch your career?
Don't wait to start your future. Our apprenticeship programmes are in high demand. Apply today to check your eligibility and take the first step towards a successful career.
Career Progression
These are common progression routes taken by learners after completing the AI & Automation Specialist apprenticeship.
Hybrid Learning: Available Nationwide
Our hybrid apprenticeship model allows us to deliver high-quality training to employers and learners across England.