FAQ
Your questions, answered.
Straight answers on the qualification, funding, eligibility and how the AI training actually works.
Is the training really free?
For levy-paying employers, yes — it's fully funded. Every other business contributes just 5%, with the government covering the other 95%. For the individual learner, there's never anything to pay.
What qualification is it?
It's the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship — a national Level 4 standard, the first level of higher education (above A-levels). You finish with a nationally recognised qualification, confirmed by an independent End-Point Assessment.
What will I actually learn?
Practical, applied AI — not abstract theory. You'll learn to use today's AI tools well, build simple automations (including low-code/no-code), make better decisions with data, and use AI safely and responsibly. You apply it all to your real job as you go.
Do I need to be technical, or have qualifications?
No. It's built for everyday roles, not coders, and there are no formal academic entry requirements to start — your training provider simply checks you're set up to succeed. If a little English or maths support would help, it's built into the programme at no cost.
Who can do it?
Anyone employed and working at least 30 hours a week. We confirm your full eligibility and funding before anything goes ahead — no commitment to check.
How long does it take?
Around 14 months in total: roughly 12 months of learning, followed by an independent End-Point Assessment.
How is it delivered?
100% remotely — live online workshops and one-to-one coaching. It takes about six hours a week, spent applying AI to your real work, so it fits around the job.
How is it assessed?
Through an independent End-Point Assessment — a real work project plus a final showcase of what you can do. There are no exams to cram for.
Will it disrupt the business?
No. Because those weekly hours are spent on real tasks inside the business, the time invested comes back as productivity rather than taking people off the job.
Who delivers the training?
We arrange it with our approved, RoATP-registered training partners, who deliver the programme and award the qualification through independent assessment. We handle enrolment and funding and support you throughout.
How does the funding work?
Through the apprenticeship levy and government co-investment, the programme is funded at up to £18,000 per learner. Larger employers fund it from the levy they already pay; smaller employers contribute just 5%, with the government covering the rest.
How do I get started?
Tell us a little about you or your team and we'll confirm your eligibility and options — get in touch here.
Still got a question?
Ask us anything — we'll give you a straight answer, no pressure.
Get in touch →AI Skills Training arranges AI apprenticeship training delivered by our approved, RoATP-registered training partners; the qualification (the Level 4 Artificial Intelligence and Automation Practitioner standard) is awarded following independent end-point assessment. Funding is provided through the apprenticeship levy and government co-investment, up to £18,000 per learner, and is subject to eligibility and funding-body rules, which are confirmed before enrolment. "Degree level" / "higher level" refers to a Level 4 qualification. Fully funded for eligible levy-paying employers; non-levy employers contribute 5%.
Official sources & further reading
The facts on this page come from official UK government guidance. Check the funding and the apprenticeship standard for yourself:
AI Skills Training — future-proofing the UK workforce. We arrange AI apprenticeship training delivered by approved, RoATP-registered training partners; funding is subject to eligibility and confirmed before enrolment.