The government launched an AI apprenticeship in March. Now colleges have to find the staff to deliver it.
Skills England's new Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship began its first cohort this spring, with ambitions to reach millions of workers by 2030. The staffing challenge for further education providers trying to deliver it is the part of the story that has so far attracted less attention.
By Wistl Editorial · · FE / Training
Skills England launched the AI and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship in March 2026, with the first cohort beginning the 18-month Level 4 programme that same month. The qualification is open to all employers regardless of sector, is fully funded for non-levy payers, and sits within the government's broader AI Skills Boost initiative, which has set a target of upskilling 10 million workers by 2030. Research cited at the launch found that only 21 per cent of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, and that AI adoption could add up to £400 billion to the economy by 2030. The apprenticeshi