Employers throughout England are accelerating efforts to enrol staff in AI apprenticeship programmes as new levy rules significantly shorten the timeframe for spending training funds.
From April 2026, levy funds must be used within 12 months, down from two years previously. Once those funds are exhausted, businesses must contribute 25% towards further training costs. In addition, 16 apprenticeship standards will lose government backing from September, including the popular Team Leader and Operations Manager pathways, prompting a sharp shift towards AI-based training solutions.
In response, a growing number of employers are turning to a Level 4 apprenticeship that enables organisations to build AI and automation capabilities across their workforce at no direct cost, while gaining multiple industry-recognised qualifications.
TESS Group, a nationally recognised and award-winning learning provider, collaborates with organisations including the Financial Times, EDF Energy, Transport for London, the University of Kent, and NHS England. Its AI & Automation Practitioner programme is designed around the idea that AI skills should be embedded organisation-wide, rather than confined to specialist technical teams, and that certification should come without additional expense.
The programme runs for between 15 and 18 months and is open to employees at all levels. It requires no coding knowledge. Learners develop practical skills using platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Power Automate, allowing them to implement AI-driven improvements in their day-to-day responsibilities from the beginning. For organisations operating on Google Workspace, tailored options incorporating Google’s AI tools are also available.
What sets the programme apart is its breadth of included qualifications. In addition to the apprenticeship standard, TESS Group incorporates up to five extra certifications at no added cost: Microsoft AI Business Professional (AB-730), NCFE Level 3 certificates in Cyber Security and Data, NCFE AI Prompt Engineering, and BCS certification. The programme is funded at £18,000 through the Apprenticeship Levy for levy-paying employers, with smaller businesses eligible for 95% government support.
“Most employers have no idea they can get this many qualifications wrapped into one apprenticeship,” said Rod Doyle, Director and Founder of TESS Group. “They’re already paying the levy. This is money they’ve already spent sitting in a pot that expires after 12 months (it used to be 24 months) if they don’t use it. We’re helping them turn that into real capability across their teams, not just in IT, but in HR, finance, operations, marketing, every department. And it works just as well for leaders as it does for the people they manage.” Rod’s business partner Lisa O’Reilly added “the AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship will help get businesses and organisations optimised for growth and we at TESS Group are delighted to be one of the leading learning providers in AI and Automation learning.”
From a commercial perspective, the benefits are immediate. Participants typically save upwards of 10 hours each week by automating repetitive tasks. As the learning is embedded into their daily roles, organisations begin to realise value straight away rather than waiting until the end of the programme.
Delivery is fully online through live sessions hosted on Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with monthly start dates available. Employers can enrol individuals or establish bespoke cohorts aligned to their sector. For organisations seeking to develop AI leadership capabilities, TESS Group also provides specialist pathways for managers, operations professionals, and coaches, each including CMI-accredited management training.
TESS Group currently works with over 100 employers across England and has trained in excess of 10,000 learners. The provider reports a 59% distinction rate, significantly above the national average of around 20%, alongside a 97% employer satisfaction rate and an average score of 4.9 out of 5 from more than 680 verified reviews across Google and Trustpilot.
Employers interested in leveraging their Apprenticeship Levy for AI training can book a complimentary 15-minute discovery session.