Artificial intelligence is no longer a future investment – it’s a present-day priority. But while many organisations are keen to adopt AI, the approach to training often falls short.

Ad hoc courses, one-off workshops, and self-led experimentation can create fragmented knowledge, inconsistent usage, and even risk around governance and ethics. What businesses need instead is a structured, role-aligned approach that embeds AI capability across the organisation.

That’s where apprenticeships come in.

Kaplan’s new AI apprenticeship programmes are designed to build capability at every level – from AI adoption champions to technical specialists building enterprise-grade infrastructure. This guide will help you understand which programme is right for which employee.

Kaplan’s AI apprenticeship programmes at a glance

AI Champion (Level 3)

Who it’s for

This programme is ideal for employees across any department who are already experimenting with AI or are well placed to support its adoption.

They might not be technical specialists, but they’re curious, proactive, and influential within their teams.

What they’ll gain

Learners develop the skills to:

• Promote responsible and ethical AI use
• Support colleagues with AI tools and applications
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows using AI
• Act as a bridge between technical teams and wider business users

Target roles

• Team coordinators or senior administrators
• Digital champions or transformation advocates
• Employees leading internal AI rollouts
• Staff regularly using tools like generative AI in their role

This role is about creating momentum – helping AI adoption stick across the organisation.

AI and Automation Practitioner (Level 4)

Who it’s for

This programme is suited to employees who are ready to move beyond using AI tools and start designing solutions.

They’re often responsible for improving processes, reducing inefficiencies, or leading digital change initiatives.

What they’ll gain

Learners will learn how to:

• Design and implement intelligent workflows
• Use low-code and no-code tools to automate processes
• Identify bottlenecks and apply AI-driven solutions
• Build scalable systems that improve productivity

Target roles

• Operations or process improvement leads
• Business analysts or automation specialists
• Digital transformation professionals
• High-potential employees driving efficiency initiatives

These individuals become your “productivity architects” – turning AI potential into measurable business outcomes.

AI-enabled data engineer (Level 5)

Who it’s for

This programme is aimed at technical professionals who want to build and manage the infrastructure that powers AI at scale.

It’s particularly relevant for those moving from data analysis into engineering or architecture roles.

What they’ll gain

Learners will develop expertise in:

• Building and managing data pipelines for AI systems
• Designing cloud-based, scalable infrastructure
• Supporting advanced AI use cases such as machine learning and generative AI
• Creating robust, production-ready environments for AI deployment

Target roles

• Data analysts progressing into engineering roles
• Data engineers and technical specialists
• Cloud or infrastructure engineers
• Technical leads responsible for AI systems

These are the people building your organisation’s “data motorways” – ensuring AI can operate reliably, securely, and at scale.

How to choose the right programme for your employee

Selecting the right apprenticeship comes down to two key factors: current capability and future responsibility.

• Choose Level 3 (AI Champion) if the employee is a strong communicator and early adopter who can support others and drive engagement.
• Choose Level 4 (AI and Automation Practitioner) if they are already solving business problems and are ready to design automation solutions.
• Choose Level 5 (AI-enabled data engineer) if they have a technical background and will be responsible for building or managing AI infrastructure.

A helpful way to think about it:

• Level 3 spreads AI adoption
• Level 4 applies AI to processes
• Level 5 builds the systems that make AI possible

Many organisations will benefit from developing talent across all three levels to create a balanced, future-ready workforce.

What about AI leadership training for senior teams?

Alongside core AI and data apprenticeships, organisations can also use funding to develop AI leadership capability - helping senior teams turn AI investment into real business outcomes.

Kaplan’s new Level 5 AI Leadership units are designed for decision-makers who need to move beyond experimentation and lead AI adoption strategically.

These programmes focus on three key areas:

• AI strategy and opportunity
  Helps leaders identify where AI can deliver real return on investment, build business cases, and align AI initiatives with organisational goals
• AI adoption, procurement, and governance
  Equips teams to evaluate AI tools safely, manage risk, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards
• AI delivery and organisational transformation
  Focuses on embedding AI into day-to-day operations, supporting teams through change, and driving long-term productivity gains

In simple terms:

• Practitioners build AI solutions
• Leaders ensure those solutions deliver value

These shorter, flexible programmes are particularly useful for organisations looking to:

• Strengthen decision-making at leadership level
• Reduce risk around AI adoption
• Improve the success rate of AI initiatives

Building an AI-ready workforce

AI adoption isn’t just about tools – it’s about people.

By investing in structured, role-specific training, organisations can move beyond experimentation and start building real, sustainable capability. Whether you’re empowering champions, enabling automation, or developing technical expertise, the right apprenticeship can make AI work for your business.

Get in touch with our expert team for more information about apprenticeships, and how they benefit business.