Turn manual work into reliable, responsible automation, freeing teams’ time while improving accuracy, productivity and customer outcomes.

Designed and delivered in collaboration with Teesside University, an Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship provider, this programme equips operational and technical professionals to identify workflow friction and implement practical AI and automation improvements. Learners develop low/no‑code automations, integrate digital tools, and apply responsible AI practices to cut manual effort, reduce errors and release capacity. Ideal for teams in operations, service delivery, IT, customer support and finance.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for professionals who are already embedded in day‑to‑day digital operations or process improvement activity and are ready to take the next step, using AI and automation to drive measurable efficiency, quality and productivity improvements across their organisation.

It is ideal for:

  • Operational, service delivery or process improvement professionals responsible for fixing inefficient workflows
  • Analysts, transformation or digital delivery roles moving from insight to implementation
  • Team leads or managers expected to reduce cost, error and manual effort
  • Individuals poised to become internal AI and automation champions within their function

What will they learn?

The programme focuses on practical, job‑ready skills that help busy operational and change professionals move from AI ambition to real delivery; safely, confidently and at pace.

Learners develop skills to:

  • Identify and prioritise high‑value automation and AI opportunities in everyday workflows
  • Design and implement low‑/no‑code automations that reduce manual effort and errors
  • Integrate disconnected digital tools to streamline end‑to‑end processes
  • Apply responsible AI, data protection and governance principles in live business contexts
  • Engage stakeholders and embed change to ensure solutions are adopted and sustained

Modules

Workflow Automation with AI

Learners will learn how to streamline processes and reduce manual effort by designing intelligent workflows. This includes applying the automation lifecycle (Diagnose → Design → Build → Evaluate); from diagnosing opportunities through to design, build, and evaluation, using low- and no-code tools. Learners will also explore trigger-based logic to create efficient, scalable workflows that improve productivity and minimise friction across business operations.

Data Intelligence & System Integration

Learners will build confidence in working with data to inform decision-making and drive insight. This module covers how to connect and integrate data sources using APIs, create dashboards using tools such as Power BI, and develop data pipelines that support real-time intelligence. Learners will apply the intelligence lifecycle by mapping data flows, modelling, building and deploying solutions to ensure data is usable, connected and impactful.

Gen AI Tools & Human-AI Collaboration

Learners will develop the skills to work effectively alongside AI tools. This includes mastering prompt engineering techniques, understanding how to augment roles through AI, and designing human-in-the-loop systems that balance automation with oversight. The module also explores critical considerations around ethics, governance, data privacy and managing risks such as AI hallucinations.

Managing Business Transformational Change

Learners will learn how to translate technical solutions into successful organisational change. This includes applying business analysis frameworks such as CATWOE, MoSCoW and SWOT to define requirements and prioritise actions. Learners will also build skills in stakeholder engagement, requirements gathering and applying change management models to support solution adoption and realisation.

Level  
4
Qualification
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner Apprenticeship Standard and Certificate in Higher Education
Duration
12 Months (plus EPA)
Provider
Teesside University and Grant Thornton
Entry requirements
The apprentice must be employed in a relevant job role with agreement from their employer. This includes committing to a minimum of 6 hours off-the-job training a week.
Schedule
Four 10-week modules, with approximately one day of study per week. Start dates in October and June.
Delivery
Modules will include a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online delivery. In addition, the Managing Business Transformational Change module will include a two day on-campus block
Assessment
Participants are assessed through a mixture of assignments and a final apprenticeship assessment that involves an independent research project.
Fees and funding
£18,000 fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy.

Key benefits

Operational Efficiency, Fast

Reduce manual effort, errors and cycle time by embedding AI‑driven automation directly into everyday workflows that matter most to your business.

Productivity You Can Scale

Build in‑house capability to identify and deliver repeatable automation wins.  This frees capacity across teams without reliance on scarce technical specialists.

Responsible AI adoption

Adopt AI safely and confidently, with built‑in governance, data protection and ethical controls that protect your organisation while accelerating change.

Take the next step 

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