Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship
- Build practical AI and automation capability that delivers measurable organisational impact
- Enable employees to identify opportunities, implement improvements and apply AI confidently in live workplace contexts
- Balance productivity gains with ethical, legal and operational considerations for responsible AI adoption
- Develop practitioners who can bridge AI technology and business performance across teams and functions
- 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.
At Henley, we believe successful AI adoption depends on more than understanding technology. Organisations need people who can identify opportunities, engage stakeholders, implement practical solutions and evaluate their impact in real workplace contexts.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship is designed to help organisations build this capability within their existing workforce through structured, work-based learning aligned to the Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner standard (ST1512).Grounded in real organisational challenges, the programme develops employees who can identify improvement opportunities, design and implement practical AI and automation solutions, and support their responsible adoption in the workplace.
Apprentices learn how to enhance productivity, streamline processes and support continuous improvement while considering the ethical, legal and human implications of AI-enabled change.
The focus is on applying AI and automation effectively in day-to-day roles, rather than advanced coding or organisational strategy, helping practitioners bridge the gap between technology and business performance.
This programme is currently in development at Henley Business School and is due to launch soon.
What makes the Henley experience different
Learn from a diverse community of professionals
At Henley, participants learn alongside professionals from a wide range of organisations, sectors and roles. This diversity of experience enriches the learning experience, exposing learners to different perspectives on how AI and automation are being applied to improve processes, productivity and organisational performance.
Through Action Learning Sets, facilitated small-group discussions that use questioning and reflection rather than advice-giving, participants explore real workplace challenges and opportunities. By sharing experiences, challenging assumptions and reflecting on different approaches, learners develop the judgement and confidence needed to implement AI and automation responsibly in complex organisational environments.
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
- work with technical and non‑technical stakeholders to embed new ways of working
- identify opportunities where AI or automation could improve how work gets done
- design, implement, test or support AI‑enabled or automated solutions
- are responsible for applying AI and automation safely, ethically and effectively in day‑to‑day operations
The programme supports organisations to develop practitioners who can identify opportunities, implement practical AI and automation solutions, and contribute to measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency and organisational performance while managing ethical, legal and workforce considerations.
Smart Career Management
Developing capability is only part of the return on apprenticeship investment. Organisations also need employees who can apply their growing expertise, influence others and continue developing their contribution as their careers evolve.
Embedded throughout the apprenticeship journey, Henley's Smart Career Management workshops help apprentices build the confidence, self-awareness and professional presence needed to maximise their impact at work. Delivered by Henley's Careers and Professional Development team, these live online sessions support career progression while helping employers retain and develop talented employees.
The workshops cover:
- Take Control of Your Career
- Leveraging Your Strengths for Success
- Presenting with Impact
- Telling and Selling Your Personal Brand and What Now?
- Progressing Your Career Beyond Your Studies
Join the next Insight Session
Ready to turn AI potential into practical business impact?
Whether you're exploring the programme for yourself or considering how to build AI and automation capability across your organisation, our Insight Session provides an introduction to the apprenticeship and the opportunity to ask questions directly to the programme team.
In just 45 minutes, you'll:
- Discover how the programme develops practical AI and automation capability in workplace settings.
- Understand how organisations are using AI and automation to improve productivity and performance.
- Explore the benefits for both learners and employers.
We'll also host a Q&A session at the end, so bring your questions along. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into the programme and find out if it's the right fit for you or your organisation.
Join the next Insight Session - 15 October | 10:00 am
Outcomes and benefits
This apprenticeship helps organisations develop employees who can identify opportunities, implement practical AI and automation solutions, and contribute to improved productivity, efficiency and organisational performance 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, implement and evaluate 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 practitioners who can translate AI and automation opportunities into measurable business improvements. Because learning is applied directly in the workplace, organisations benefit from increased internal capability, practical implementation experience and a more confident, responsible approach to AI and automation adoption.
Teaching staff
What participants will learn and apply
Across the programme, apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to identify opportunities for improvement, implement AI and automation solutions, and support their successful adoption within the workplace.
Participants explore how AI and automation are applied in real organisational contexts, covering solution design, implementation, evaluation, governance and adoption. Throughout the programme, learners consider the ethical, legal, human and operational factors that influence successful AI-enabled change.
The programme is structured around six key learning outcomes: -
Strategic and Ethical Adoption of AI and Automation
Successful AI adoption starts with good judgement, not just good technology. This module explores how organisations can adopt AI and automation responsibly, balancing opportunities for improved productivity and performance with ethical, legal and workforce considerations.
Participants develop an understanding of the capabilities, limitations and risks of AI and automation technologies, while exploring the role of organisational values, leadership and policy in adoption decisions. They learn how to assess organisational readiness, evaluate the impact of AI on people and roles, and make informed decisions about where and how AI can deliver value.
The module also considers how AI and automation can augment rather than replace human work, helping organisations build capability while protecting wellbeing, trust and long-term organisational effectiveness.
Identifying Opportunities, Mapping Processes and Design Considerations
Successful AI and automation initiatives begin with understanding where they can create the greatest value. In this module, participants learn how to analyse business processes, identify inefficiencies and evaluate opportunities where AI and automation can improve performance.
Learners develop practical business analysis skills, including process mapping, stakeholder engagement and opportunity assessment. They explore how to evaluate potential solutions, balance organisational and user needs, and assess factors such as feasibility, benefits, costs and return on investment before recommending change.
The module emphasises evidence-based decision making, helping participants build robust business cases and prioritise AI and automation initiatives that align with organisational objectives and deliver meaningful business value.
Building Solutions with Low Code, No Code and AI Tools
This module develops the practical skills needed to turn ideas into working AI and automation solutions. Participants learn to design, build, test, and refine solutions using low-code and no-code platforms, AI tools, and automation technologies that can be applied in real organisational environments.
Learners explore how to assess whether automation is appropriate for a particular challenge, create and refine prompts for AI tools, and integrate systems and workflows using APIs, connectors and automation platforms. Through testing, feedback and iteration, they develop solutions that are reliable, scalable and aligned with organisational needs.
The module also emphasises ethical and human-centred design, helping participants create solutions that not only deliver efficiency gains, but are practical, accessible and effective for the people using them.
Governance, Assurance and Risk Management
Successful AI and automation solutions require clear governance, ongoing oversight and robust risk management. This module explores how organisations can ensure AI and automation technologies remain transparent, accountable, secure and compliant throughout their lifecycle.
Participants examine issues such as algorithmic bias, system vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance and the impact of AI on people and organisations. They learn how to assess and mitigate risks, apply governance and assurance practices, and establish monitoring approaches that support the responsible use of AI and automation over time.
The module emphasises practical approaches to accountability, helping learners design and manage solutions that users trust, align with organisational requirements, and deliver long-term value.
Enabling People: Change, Training and Communication
Introducing AI and automation into the workplace requires engagement, communication and trust. This module develops the skills needed to support colleagues through change, build understanding and encourage confident adoption of new tools and ways of working.
Participants learn how to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders, understand concerns and requirements, and communicate complex concepts in ways that are accessible and meaningful. They explore approaches to change management, training design and workshop facilitation, helping individuals and teams adapt successfully to AI-enabled ways of working.
The module also focuses on inclusive communication and workforce engagement, ensuring AI and automation initiatives are supported by effective training, clear guidance and ongoing dialogue that builds trust and supports long-term adoption.
Delivering Sustainable Change Through Continuous Improvement
AI and automation solutions need ongoing attention to remain effective as organisational needs, technologies and ways of working evolve. This module focuses on measuring performance, evaluating impact and identifying opportunities to improve and optimise solutions over time.
Participants learn how to monitor operational performance, assess whether solutions are delivering the expected benefits and evaluate business impact against organisational objectives. Using performance metrics, stakeholder feedback and evidence-based evaluation, they identify opportunities for enhancement and support continuous improvement.
The module also explores solution lifecycle management, sustainability and supplier performance, helping learners develop approaches that maintain service quality, support innovation and maximise long-term value from AI and automation investments.
Next dates for open cohorts
| Programme start date | Nomination due date |
|---|---|
| 19 November 2026 | 21 September 2026 |
Organisations are encouraged to enrol a minimum of eight learners per cohort to maximise the impact of Henley’s Action Learning Sets, enabling both organisation-specific and cross-sector collaboration.
This programme is in development and subject to approvals. Register your interest and keep up to date with the development of this Henley programme
Contact the Apprenticeship Engagement Team for the latest programme schedule for your chosen start date.
Why Henley?
Developing practitioners who can turn AI potential into organisational value
Many AI programmes focus on tools and technology. Henley's approach focuses on how AI and automation create value within organisations. Apprentices develop the ability to identify opportunities, build practical solutions, manage risk, support adoption and contribute to continuous improvement in real workplace contexts.
The result is professionals who can help organisations move from experimentation to confident, responsible application of AI and automation.
Over 80 years of developing organisational capability
For more than 80 years, Henley Business School has helped organisations develop managers, professionals and future leaders through applied, work-based learning. This experience shapes an approach that combines technical understanding with a strong appreciation of how people, processes and technology work together to deliver sustainable organisational performance.
Applied to AI and automation, this means developing capability that works in practice, not simply technical knowledge in isolation
Research-informed, organisationally grounded
Henley's digital education draws on expertise from the Henley Informatics Research Centre, combining knowledge of AI, data and digital systems with insight into how technology influences organisations, decision-making and ways of working.
Apprentices develop an understanding of both the technical and organisational dimensions of AI and automation, helping them apply solutions effectively within teams, functions and operational environments.
Learning that creates workplace impact
Work-based learning is embedded throughout the programme, enabling apprentices to apply new knowledge directly to organisational challenges. Through workplace projects, Action Learning Sets and practical application, learning remains closely connected to real business needs.
This approach helps organisations strengthen internal capability while creating opportunities for immediate workplace impact.
Proven experience in apprenticeship delivery
Henley is an established provider of digital and management apprenticeships, trusted by employers across sectors. Programmes combine academic rigour, applied learning and experienced faculty to support long-term organisational capability and professional development.
Structured progression, clear expectations and cohort-based learning help apprentices build confidence and capability throughout the programme.
Individual and inclusive support
Professional, academic and pastoral support are embedded throughout the apprenticeship journey. Henley recognises the challenges of balancing study with workplace responsibilities and provides guidance that helps apprentices develop confidence, independence and resilience alongside technical and professional capability.
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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