Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship | Coming soon
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner
- Builds practical, responsible AI and automation capability within the existing workforce
- Enables employees to apply AI and automation confidently in live organisational roles
- Balances productivity gains with ethical, legal and workforce risk
- Work based delivery supports immediate application alongside day to day work
- Aligned to the Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner standard (ST1512)
What you need to know
Overview
Move from AI experimentation to confident, responsible application across your organisation
As AI and automation increasingly shape how work is done, organisations face a practical challenge: how to move beyond experimentation and build capability that improves performance without increasing risk. Success depends not just on technology, but on employees who can apply AI and automation thoughtfully, responsibly and effectively in everyday work using AI-enabled tools and automation workflows.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship is a Level 4 apprenticeship, aligned to the national Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner standard (ST1512). It is designed to help organisations build applied AI and automation capability within their existing workforce through structured, work‑based learning.
Grounded in real organisational challenges, the programme develops employees who can identify opportunities for improvement, design and implement practical AI and automation solutions, and support their responsible adoption in the workplace. This includes working with data inputs and outputs, configuring tools and workflows, and evaluating how solutions perform in practice. Apprentices learn to enhance productivity, streamline processes and support continuous improvement, while taking account of ethical, legal and human impacts.
The focus is on practical application in day-to-day roles, rather than advanced coding or setting organisational strategy.
This programme is currently in development at Henley Business School and is due to launch soon.
Who is it for?
For professionals applying AI and automation in their roles
This apprenticeship is designed for employees who deliver, apply, support or contribute to AI and automation in their day-to-day work - focusing on practical application rather than strategic decision-making or advanced coding.
This programme is suited to roles where AI and automation are applied in practice, including those who:
- are involved in process improvement, digital change or operational delivery
- identify opportunities where AI or automation could improve how work gets done
- design, implement, test or support AI‑enabled or automated solutions
- work with technical and non‑technical stakeholders to embed new ways of working
- are responsible for applying AI and automation safely, ethically and effectively in day‑to‑day operations
The programme supports organisations to develop confident practitioners who can translate ideas into action, contributing to improved productivity and continuous improvement while managing ethical, legal and workforce considerations.
Outcomes and benefits
This apprenticeship supports organisations to build practical, responsible AI and automation capability within their workforce, enabling professionals to improve productivity and processes while managing ethical, legal and workforce considerations.
By the end of the apprenticeship, participants will have developed the confidence, judgement and practical capability to identify, design and implement AI and automation solutions that work in real organisational contexts.
Participants will be better equipped to:
- identify opportunities where AI and automation can improve efficiency and ways of working
- design and implement practical solutions aligned to organisational goals and constraints
- apply ethical, legal and governance considerations in everyday AI and automation decisions
- test, evaluate and refine solutions based on evidence and user feedback
- work effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders to support adoption and change
- contribute to continuous improvement through responsible use of AI and automation.
Benefits for employers
For employers, the programme develops capable, work‑ready practitioners who can translate AI and automation opportunities into tangible improvements. Learning is applied directly in the workplace, helping organisations strengthen internal capability, reduce risk and support sustainable, people‑centred adoption of AI and automation.
Teaching staff
What participants will learn and apply
Across the programme, apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to design, implement and embed AI and automation solutions that deliver value, while considering ethics, governance, people and organisational impact.
Participants explore how AI and automation are applied in real organisational contexts, covering design, implementation, evaluation, governance and adoption.
The programme is structured around six key learning outcomes: -
Responsible and effective application of AI and automation
Apprentices develop the ability to apply AI and automation in ways that are ethical, lawful and aligned with organisational priorities. This includes understanding how systems are used in practice, recognising their capabilities and limitations, and applying principles such as data protection, transparency and bias awareness.
Design and implementation of practical solutions
The programme focuses on translating organisational needs into workable solutions using AI-enabled tools and automation platforms. Apprentices learn to design, configure and implement workflows that operate effectively within real-world constraints.
Testing, evaluation and continuous improvement
Apprentices build capability in testing and refining solutions based on data, user feedback and observed performance. This includes interpreting outputs from AI systems and using evidence to improve effectiveness over time.
Governance, Assurance and Risk Management
A strong emphasis is placed on ensuring that AI and automation solutions are secure, accountable and compliant. Apprentices learn to identify and manage risks, and to work within appropriate governance frameworks.
Stakeholder Engagement and Workforce Enablement
Successful AI and automation adoption depends on people, not just technology. Apprentices develop the skills to work with stakeholders, communicate clearly, and support the adoption of new tools and ways of working.
Continuous Improvement and Change Delivery
The programme develops practitioners who can identify opportunities to improve processes and productivity, contribute to change initiatives within their role, and demonstrate the impact of AI and automation in practice.
Why Henley?
A trusted partner for developing early digital talent
Henley Business School brings over 80 years of experience in delivering structured, work‑based learning that develops professional capability alongside academic achievement. Henley’s approach combines technical understanding with a strong focus on organisational context, ensuring AI and automation are applied in ways that work in practice - not just in theory.
Applied to AI and automation, this experience supports organisations in developing professionals who can confidently apply technology to improve processes, productivity and ways of working. The programme helps employers build capability that is grounded in real organisational contexts, not just technical knowledge.
Grounded digital and organisational expertise
Henley’s digital education is led by the Henley Informatics Research Centre which combines expertise in data, digital systems and AI with research‑informed insight into how technology reshapes organisations, decision‑making and work practices. This ensures apprentices develop a strong understanding of digital technology grounded in organisational reality, rather than isolated technical skills.
The focus is on developing professionals who can apply AI and automation effectively within teams, supporting the delivery and adoption of solutions as they become embedded across the organisation.
Proven experience in apprenticeship delivery
Henley is an established provider of digital and management apprenticeships, trusted by employers across sectors. Our programmes blend academic rigour with applied learning, experienced faculty, and cohort-based delivery to support long-term organisational capability and early talent progression.
Structured learning and progression
Apprentices benefit from clear expectations and structured progression. Henley’s approach is designed around well-defined learning journeys that support apprentices in building confidence and capability over time, while meeting the demands of study and workplace performance.
Individual and inclusive support
Henley recognises that apprentices may require additional guidance as they balance professional responsibilities and academic study. Academic and pastoral support are embedded throughout the programme to help apprentices develop reliability, independence and professional confidence.
When will it launch?
This programme is currently in development. Register your interest and keep up to date with the development of this Henley programme.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship?
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship is a Level 4 programme designed for employees who are responsible for applying AI and automation to improve processes, productivity and ways of working. It develops practical capability, confidence and judgement to design, deliver and embed AI and automation solutions responsibly in real organisational contexts, aligned to a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.
For apprentices, it provides formal recognition and development of applied AI and automation capability.
For employers, it offers a structured, work‑based route to build practical, risk‑aware AI and automation capability within the existing workforce.
You can find the full details on Skills England.
Who is this Level 4 apprenticeship designed for?
This apprenticeship is designed for employees who apply, support or contribute to AI and automation solutions as part of their role, rather than those setting strategy or providing senior oversight. It is suited to individuals working in operational, delivery or improvement roles where AI and automation are used to enhance processes and ways of working.
It is particularly appropriate for those who:
- contribute to identifying and implementing AI or automation solutions
- support process improvement, digital change or operational delivery
- work with stakeholders to embed new tools and practices responsibly
Learners gain practical capability, confidence and recognition as AI and automation practitioners, while employers develop work‑ready capability to deliver safe, effective and people‑centred AI and automation in everyday operations.
Do learners need technical or coding skills?
No. Learners do not need advanced technical or coding skills to join this apprenticeship.
The programme is designed for employees who apply AI and automation in practical workplace contexts, focusing on problem‑solving, process improvement and responsible use rather than software development or specialist coding.
What kinds of roles is this apprenticeship suitable for?
This apprenticeship is suitable for roles where individuals apply AI and automation to improve processes and ways of working. This may include roles in operations, digital change, business improvement, customer experience, or technical support functions where AI-enabled tools and automation are used in practice.
How do I apply?
Learners must be nominated by their employer and should be working in roles where they apply or support AI and automation in practice.
Register your interest using the form below to stay informed about the latest developments of this programme.
For guidance or to discuss suitability, contact the Henley Apprenticeships team:
- Email: apprenticeships@henley.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)118 378 4030
Register your interest
Thank you for your interest in our Level 4 AI in Automation Apprenticeship. To register for updates about the programme, please provide the following.
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