TESS Group
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Level 4 Apprenticeship — 15 Months + Gateway & EPA — Fully Funded

AI & Automation
Practitioner
No Coding Required.

Turn every department into an AI-powered engine. From HR to Finance, Marketing to Operations — your people learn to automate workflows, make smarter decisions, and champion responsible AI. All without writing a single line of code.

Up to 5 Qualifications Included
Microsoft Qualification Included
NCFE Level 3 Accredited
BCS Recognised
4-5Qualifications Included
15Month Delivery
0Coding Required
100%Levy Funded

Built for Every Department, Not Just IT

This is the AI apprenticeship designed for the people who actually run your business

How AI Transforms Each Department

📊 Operations

Automate repetitive workflows, streamline procurement processes, and use AI to predict bottlenecks before they cost you money. Build dashboards that surface real-time insights without needing a data team.

👥 Human Resources

Use AI to accelerate recruitment screening, automate onboarding workflows, generate policy documents, and analyse employee engagement data — all while ensuring GDPR compliance and removing bias.

💰 Finance

Automate invoice processing, reconciliation, and reporting. Use AI to spot anomalies, forecast cash flow, and generate financial summaries — reclaiming hours lost to manual spreadsheet work.

📢 Marketing

Create content at scale with AI prompting skills, automate campaign workflows, personalise customer communications, and use data analytics to measure what actually drives results.

🛒 Sales & Customer Service

Build automated lead scoring, create AI-assisted customer response templates, streamline CRM workflows, and use predictive analytics to identify your highest-value opportunities.

⚙️ Administration & Support

Eliminate repetitive admin tasks with no-code automations, create intelligent document processing workflows, and become the go-to AI champion who transforms how the whole office works.

Ideal Learner Profile

  • Early to mid-career professionals in any department
  • Team leaders looking to improve their team's efficiency
  • Process owners who manage workflows and systems
  • Change agents tasked with driving digital transformation
  • Anyone who uses Microsoft 365 in their daily work
  • Professionals who want to future-proof their career

Absolutely No Tech Background Needed

This programme is specifically designed for non-technical professionals. We use no-code and low-code tools, plain-English AI prompting, and real workplace scenarios from your own role. If you can use email and a spreadsheet, you can do this.

Zero Coding. Real Results.

Up to 5 Industry Qualifications — At No Extra Cost

Level 3 accredited qualifications that match the rigour of your Level 4 apprenticeship

4+1

Your learners graduate with four core qualifications (up to five for high performers) on top of their Level 4 apprenticeship. Every qualification sits at Level 3 or above — matching the rigour employers expect from a Level 4 programme. This combination is unique in the market.

1
NCFE Level 3

Cyber Security Practices

Go beyond awareness into practical security assessment, incident response, and risk management — essential skills for deploying AI safely in any organisation.

2
NCFE Level 3

Certificate in Data

Master data visualisation, data modelling, and data-driven decision making — the analytical foundation behind every AI-powered insight.

3
NCFE Level 3 CQ

AI Prompt Mastery

Our bespoke NCFE-accredited qualification. Design effective prompts across AI models using chain-of-thought, role prompting, and iterative refinement for professional outputs.

4
Microsoft Qualification

AI Business Professional (AB-730)

The official Microsoft certification (AB-730) for using Copilot and generative AI in business contexts. Globally recognised. No coding required.

5
BCS Foundation

Foundation Certificate in AI HIGH ACHIEVERS

For top-performing learners: the BCS Foundation Certificate in AI (SFIA 3–4 equivalent) — covering AI ethics, governance, responsible deployment, and generative AI. Doubles as EPA prep.

How We Compare: Included Qualifications

Most competing providers offer the apprenticeship standard alone with no additional qualifications. Some include basic Copilot awareness training. Only TESS Group delivers up to five accredited qualifications — all at Level 3 or above — including a globally recognised Microsoft certification, embedded within the programme.

4-5
TESS
0-1
Typical
Provider

What Your People Will Learn

Module 01

AI Ethics & Values

Build the business case for ethical AI adoption. Manage reputational risk, improve staff morale, and create trust across your organisation.

All Departments
Module 02

Governance, Law & GDPR

Navigate legal frameworks for automation, including employment rights, equality legislation, and data protection requirements with confidence.

HRFinanceOps
Module 03

Spotting Waste & Inefficiency

Map workflows, uncover hidden waste, and identify the highest-impact opportunities for AI and automation to transform outcomes.

OpsFinanceAll
Module 04

Building for People

"Augmentation, not Replacement." Design AI systems that enhance human capabilities without creating disruption. Make technology a true ally.

HRAll
Module 05

No-Code Automation Tools

Hands-on with low-code and no-code platforms. Select, configure, and deploy automation software — no programming skills needed.

OpsMarketingAll
Module 06

Change Management & AI Impact

Lead colleagues through automation-driven change with empathy, resilience, and buy-in. Foster inclusion throughout your organisation.

HRAll
Module 07

Data-Driven Decision Making

Use AI to analyse complex data and generate actionable insights. Make smarter, evidence-based decisions at every level.

FinanceMarketingOps
Module 08

Agile Testing & Piloting

Run AI pilots from concept to delivery. Evaluate against budgets, iterate on feedback, and prove ROI before full rollout.

OpsAll
Module 09

AI Risk & Security

Conduct assurance activities, apply governance frameworks, and implement risk mitigation to keep AI tools safe and accountable.

FinanceOps
Module 10

Winning AI Support & Buy-In

Master the communication skills to advocate for AI-driven change. Influence leaders, colleagues, and boards with confidence.

All Departments
Module 11

Microsoft Copilot in Practice

Apply AI across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams using Microsoft Copilot. Prepare for the AB-730 Microsoft certification exam.

All Departments
+ QUALIFICATIONS

Integrated Qualification Prep

Embedded throughout: NCFE L3 Cyber Security Practices, L3 Certificate in Data, AI Prompt Mastery CQ, and Microsoft AI Business Professional (AB-730) certification.

Up to 5 Qualifications Built In

Your Learner Journey & End Point Assessment

15-Month Delivery + Gateway & EPA

Months 1–2

Foundations & AI Readiness

Onboarding, skills assessment, AI concepts and ethical frameworks, digital confidence baseline. Setting the scene for everything that follows.

Months 3–5

AI Prompting, Data & Automation

NCFE AI Prompt Mastery L3 CQ, NCFE L3 Certificate in Data, and no-code workflow automation. Building the practical AI skills that drive daily impact.

Months 6–9

Security, Governance & Risk

NCFE L3 Cyber Security Practices, GDPR compliance, algorithmic impact assessment, change management, and agile testing. The governance backbone of responsible AI.

Months 10–12

Advanced Application & Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot mastery, stakeholder engagement, strategic advocacy. Microsoft AI Business Professional exam (AB-730). Winning buy-in at every level.

Months 13–15

Workplace Project & Portfolio

Apply everything to a real business challenge. Build your evidence portfolio. Demonstrate measurable commercial impact. Gateway readiness review.

Post Month 15 — Gateway & EPA

End Point Assessment

Gateway sign-off, then formal EPA: Work-Based Project (mandatory) plus at least one of Professional Discussion, Presentation, Simulated Task, or Portfolio. Graded Pass or Distinction.

End Point Assessment

Official ST1512 V2.0 EPA — assessed against 6 Assessment Outcomes. Grades: Pass or Distinction.

1. Work-Based Project (MANDATORY)

Deliver a substantial AI or automation project solving a genuine business problem. Demonstrate you can identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and measure commercial impact.

2. Additional Assessment (at least one)

The Assessment Organisation selects from: Professional Discussion, Presentation, Simulated Task, or Portfolio — ensuring flexible, authentic assessment of real-world skills using evidence built throughout the programme.

Grading

Apprentices are graded Pass or Distinction. Assessment timing is flexible — the EPAO ensures every apprentice has the opportunity to demonstrate achievement at either grade.

Support Throughout

Every learner receives a dedicated skills coach, regular 1-to-1 progress reviews, access to our digital learning platform, and employer engagement sessions to ensure workplace projects deliver real value.

Why Choose TESS Group for AI Apprenticeships?

  • 🏆

    Ofsted Good Provider

    Independently verified quality. Our training meets the highest standards of delivery, learner support, and outcomes.

  • 4.9/5 on Google AND Trustpilot

    Exceptional learner satisfaction. Our reviews speak for themselves — consistently rated among the best in the UK.

  • 🎓

    Up to 5 Qualifications — All Level 3+

    No other provider includes this calibre of accredited qualifications. Every one at Level 3 or above — a qualification stack no competitor can match.

  • 🤝

    Built for Non-Technical Professionals

    Designed for HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and every department. No coding. No tech background required. Just real-world impact.

  • 💼

    Microsoft Qualification Included

    Including the AB-730 AI Business Professional certification, connecting your people directly to the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem.

"This programme doesn't just teach AI — it transforms how our entire team thinks about their work. The results have been immediate and measurable."

— Programme Graduate, 2026

Ready to Transform Your Workforce?

Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or co-investment models. Enrol your team today and start seeing AI-powered productivity gains within weeks.

Get Started Today

The TESS Group
109 Innovation Centre, Green St, Northampton NN1 1SY

📞 01604 210 500
✉️ info@thetessgroup.com
🌐 tessgroup.co.uk/ai-apprenticeships

Ofsted
Good
★★★★★
Google 4.9/5
★★★★★
Trustpilot 4.9/5
BCS
Recognised
1st for
Awarding
NCFE
Approved
Microsoft
Certified