Time to turn your AI ambitions into action.
As artificial intelligence and automation rapidly reshape the way organisations operate, many local businesses are asking the same question: Where do we start? Or if they have started – How can we scale this? The Development Manager (TDM) announces the launch of the AI & Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship, a new government-funded programme designed to help businesses move from AI curiosity to confidence, competence and practical implementation, aligned to their roles.
Built specifically with employers in mind, this apprenticeship maps fully against the new Skills England AI Skills Framework. This was launched and laid out to help businesses navigate technical, non-technical, responsible and ethical AI skills and to help businesses by drawing on the framework in order to plan, assess or support workforce development in the era of AI. The framework and the apprenticeship programme both enable organisations to either upskill an existing team member or hire a new business entrant to become their in‑house AI driver and champion. Providing the skills, structure and expert support needed to identify opportunities, implement automation, and responsibly embed AI into day‑to‑day operations.
For many small and medium‑sized businesses, AI adoption can feel overwhelming – complex technologies, unclear ROI, and concerns around data, governance, ethics and security often slow progress. TDM’s new apprenticeship addresses these challenges head‑on by combining hands‑on learning, real business projects and expert AI coaching, all aligned to each organisation’s strategy and readiness.
Throughout the programme, apprentices learn how to assess processes for automation, apply AI tools to real business problems, manage change, and support colleagues to adopt new ways of working. Crucially, learning is applied directly to the employer’s business, meaning productivity gains and insights are realised during the apprenticeship – not years later.
The AI & Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship is eligible for government funding, making it a cost‑effective route for businesses to build future‑ready capability. Levy‑paying employers can use their existing Apprenticeship Levy, while non‑levy employers can access co‑funding, significantly reducing the financial barrier to developing AI expertise in‑house.
What sets this programme apart is TDM’s employer‑led approach. As a specialist provider of digital and technology apprenticeships, TDM works closely with each business to shape a learning journey that reflects its size, sector, and maturity with AI. Apprentices also benefit from dedicated AI coaching and mentoring, ensuring technical knowledge is translated into confident decision‑making and measurable impact.
For local businesses navigating skills shortages, productivity pressures and rapid technological change, this apprenticeship offers a practical solution. Rather than relying solely on external consultants or off‑the‑shelf tools, employers can develop an internal champion who understands both the technology and the business, aligned with company culture and the real business objectives and goals.
The launch of the AI & Automation Practitioner Level 4 marks another step in TDM’s commitment to helping businesses grow through skills, innovation and people development. This time, equipping businesses with the ability to move from AI dabbling, to developing, through to deployment.
Local employers interested in exploring how the programme could support their AI journey – whether through upskilling existing staff or recruiting new talent – are encouraged to get in touch with TDM to learn more – [email protected]