Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming how we go about our everyday lives.
And its rapid adoption by so many industry sectors is accelerating the need for an AI-savvy workforce with the skills to maximise how we use AI for the greater good in a brave new digital world.
A recent independent report AI Opportunities Action Plan, commissioned by the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and published in January 2025, sets out the long-term need for a 'deeper pool of AI skills and talent that will build, diffuse and use AI products across the economy.' Ambitious in its aims, it calls for the training of tens of thousands more AI professionals by 2030 to bridge the skills gap shorter term.
Other recommendations in the report include increasing the diversity of the talent pool, including attracting more women into AI and data science. It would also like to see government 'encouraging and promoting domestic routes into AI - including through further education and apprenticeships, as well as employer and self-led upskilling.'
AI Apprenticeships: Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist (level 7)
Equivalent to a master's degree, this level 7 apprenticeship has been available since May 2020. It is currently being revised, but in the meantime is still approved for delivery by IfATE, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
This apprenticeship typically takes two years to complete, not including the EPA period, and attracts government funding of up to £17,000. Currently 11 training providers across the country deliver the course, with some offering day release as well as work-based training.
On the list of approved providers are training organisations specialising in digital and data education as well as two universities, University of Sussex and Northeastern University in London.
Skills covered on the AI Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship focuses on the key skills that AI professionals need and prepares them for careers in AI strategy and AI engineering in roles such as AI director, AI specialist and machine learning engineer.
As well as data modelling, test data analysis and algorithm design, the course covers skills areas such as critical evaluation, collaborative working, impartial decision making and information dissemination.
Apprentices will learn how to develop tools that visualise data systems and structures for monitoring and performance and how to apply the most effective/appropriate AI and data science techniques to solve complex business problems. They will also be taught about the associated regulatory, legal, ethical and governance issues associated with the use of AI.
The current standard
From medicine, manufacturing and the media to accountancy, agriculture and the arts, AI has myriad applications in a hugely diverse range of sectors.
This is reflected in the wide mix of companies and organisations involved in creating the current standard. BT, the BBC, Unilever, TUI, AVIVA, AstraZeneca, the Bank of England and Barclays are among the high-profile employers who have had input into its design and content.
Planning ahead
Britain is the third largest AI market in the world today.
But, if it wants to shape the AI revolution rather than be shaped by it, the UK needs to be ambitious in its approach, says the government.
In his forward to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology said: "Across government, we have already taken decisive action to support the AI sector and take down the barriers to growth. Our transformative planning reforms will make it easier to build the data centres that are the engines of the AI age. Skills England will help ensure that British people are prepared for jobs in the AI-powered industries of tomorrow."
In this AI-driven economy, businesses will increasingly look to employ people with the relevant knowledge, potentially leading to the creation of more AI skills training programmes that address these needs.