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Innovate and deploy production-ready ML/AI solutions that transform your organisation

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5x faster ML model training

achieved through automations

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647 hours saved per year

implementing new technologies

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£120,000 saved

by creating efficiencies

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90% shorter project times

achieved through automations

Accelerate Your Career in ML & AI Engineering

Over 15 months, Cambridge Spark's Level 6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship equips professionals with the advanced skills to operationalise, build, and deploy production-ready AI systems. This cutting-edge programme bridges the gap between theoretical machine learning knowledge and practical, industry-relevant engineering skills.

Apprentices will master the entire ML lifecycle, from data preparation and model development to deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. By combining deep technical expertise in building AI solutions with a strong foundation in ethical AI practices, graduates will be uniquely positioned to drive value from AI investments and lead organisations through the complexities of AI implementation and deployment.

The Curriculum

Our industry-leading curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements in AI and machine learning engineering. Developed by our expert faculty of industry practitioners and academics, the programme ensures you're always at the cutting edge of AI technology, from concept to deployment.

Core Modules

Understand the fundamentals of machine learning, focusing on Python libraries, linear models, and key mathematical concepts to prepare and enhance datasets for effective model development.

Explore supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised learning. Develop skills in model testing, tuning, and validation, and introduce tree-based methods and their ensembles.

Explore stakeholder engagement, design thinking, and project management to align AI projects with business objectives, ensuring successful communication and outcome delivery.

Learn to build and optimise neural network architectures, enhancing model performance and understanding when to choose them over traditional machine learning methods.

Understand the principles of Explainable AI and model interpretability. Develop techniques to communicate AI decisions transparently, mitigating bias and ensuring fairness.

Explore ethical considerations, compliance, and governance in AI and machine learning. Learn to develop processes that ensure adherence to data security, privacy, and industry standards.

Study the fundamentals and applications of Generative AI and LLMs. Explore transformer models and NLP techniques, and assess their impact across various business domains.

Work collaboratively in teams on a project to apply newly acquired skills in real-world contexts.

Learn to transition machine learning prototypes into live environments. Conduct feasibility studies, manage resources, and monitor performance to ensure stability and success.

Focus on maintaining and securing machine learning models in production. Address scalability and sustainability challenges to keep models robust and environmentally responsible.
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Eligibility

Suitability of role

  • Regularly working with Python and data analysis tools
  • Involved in or transitioning to roles focused on AI/ML implementation and deployment
  • Opportunities to build and apply machine learning solutions to real-world problems
  • Looking to bridge the gap between data science, software engineering, and AI operations
  • This innovative apprenticeship utilises the Level 6 Machine Learning Engineer standard

Eligibility for funding

  • No prior ML/AI Engineer degree or related experience.
  • Employed in England and resident in the UK or EEA for the last 3 years.
  • Employees working at least 30 hours a week (part-time employees can be considered for a minimum cohort size)
  • Can commit to the minimum 6 hours a week off the job learning requirement for the duration of the programme (15 months of training)
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What makes our programme special

We deliver all of our programmes online, helping our clients offer flexible and inclusive programmes open to all of their staff. EDUKATE.AI, our online learning platform, gives learners a sandbox environment to practice their skills, providing them with immediate feedback on industry-simulated assignments. We believe that the gold standard for online delivery is to offer a mix of experiential learning, coaching, technical mentorship and peer support.
Curriculum

Personalised Learner Support

We provide each learner with a dedicated Digital Mentor and Learner Success Coach to support them on their technical and personal development. This personalised support structure helps learners to succeed and overcome obstacles they encounter.
Online

Expert Curriculum

Our comprehensive curriculum develops the skills for success in digital transformation. As well as core digital business analyst skills needed for a modern professional, the curriculum includes specialist electives for those working on digital products.
Personalized

Flexible Fully Online Learning

Our program is fully online, providing maximum flexibility for learners and employers alike. This means that learners can access their content from anywhere, with no set up or installation of EDUKATE.AI required.
Pioneers

Data-Led Transformation

Digital transformation is driven by data. We ensure that our learners understand the value of data in making decisions and how to analyse the data they are using in their projects
Feedback

Instant Feedback for Accelerated Learning

Our program benefits from the support of EDUKATE.AI, which provides instant feedback on quizzes and other assignments, while the built-in Knowledge Base fosters peer learning through a dedicated question forum.
Practice

Real-World Practice for Accelerated Impact

EDUKATE.AI provides a sandbox environment where learners can practice new skills on real assignments along with with in-browser access to their slides, lecture recordings, quizzes and practical assignments.
Community

Community

Joining our program means becoming part of a thriving community of thousands of data and digital professionals. Learners have the opportunity to tap into this rich network of peers and alumni and benefit from the expertise and experience of others in the field.
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A real-world learning experience

EDUKATE.ai is our learning experience platform which delivers a seamless experience in one place, and accelerates learning and impact through real practice on real projects with immediate personalised feedback on code.
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Who's benefitted from our Data & AI apprenticeships

Why we’re the education technology training partner of choice.
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Case Study: Electrophysiology Co-Ordinator Cuts NHS Referral Delay by Up...

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Case study: Exertis Unlocks £100s of Millions in Working Capital, Saves...

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Case Study: BEAM Academy Leads Data Transformation in the Retail Sector

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Case Study: Data Analyst Identifies Sales Growth Opportunities by...

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View all our case studies

Investing in this apprenticeship means equipping your team with the skills to tackle complex business challenges using machine learning. Your employees will gain the capability to effectively develop, deploy, and manage machine learning projects, enhancing your organisation's AI capabilities while adhering to evolving ethical and governance standards. This programme not only helps in upskilling your workforce but also ensures your business remains competitive in an AI-driven world.

Huw Davies, Senior Apprenticeships Manager at BBC

BBC

Enquire now

Fill out the following form and we’ll contact you within one business day to discuss and answer any questions you have about the programme. We look forward to speaking with you.

FAQs

What delivery options do you offer?

We tailor our delivery to your workforce needs. This ranges from independent, immersive elearning supported by EDUKATE.AI through to tailored bootcamps, to our structured apprenticeship programmes. This apprenticeship is funded by the Level 6 Machine Learning Engineer standard for learners based in England.

Are you able to tailor the programme to the organisation and sector?

Yes. We work with our clients to contextualise our programmes to their organisation and sectors they operate in. We do this through bespoke assignments and guest lectures from industry experts. We also work with a range of partners to create bespoke programmes for sectors, such as health and journalism.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a long-term training commitment which seek to support people entering the workforce and upskill existing UK-based employees within an organisation, enabling employers to foster a workforce consisting of highly-skilled and highly-engaged talent.

The Cambridge Spark L6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship runs for 15 months plus a 3-month end-point assessment and includes a minimum of amount of 6 hours per week off-the-job training, enabling a blended approach between theory and practical learning.

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The UK government introduced the Apprenticeship Levy scheme in April 2017 as a way to drive investment in strengthening the country’s skills base.

All organisations with annual staff costs of over £3m have to pay 0.5% of their salary bill into a ring-fenced apprenticeship levy pot. The money is collected monthly via PAYE and can only be used for training on approved apprenticeship schemes (such as the Level 6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship that we offer). Organisations must forfeit any levy funding left unspent for 24 months or more.

What if my organisation doesn't pay into the UK Apprenticeship Levy?

An organisation that doesn't pay into the levy can still qualify for government-funded apprenticeships for their staff. In fact, the UK government will sponsor 95% of the apprenticeship programme, leaving the organisation to invest the remaining 5%, provided that learners otherwise meet eligibility criteria.

What does "off-the-job training" mean?

Off-the-job training is defined as learning undertaken outside of the day-to-day work duties and during the apprentice’s normal working hours.

Our off-the-job training is delivered on a flexible basis and can be carried out at the apprentice’s place of work or home.

The 6 hours per week, minimum, off-the-job training provides learners with the time to focus and develop the required skills, knowledge and behaviours to complete the programme.

How much do managers need to be involved?

Managers will need to ensure apprentices achieve their planned off-the-job training hours and work on their project portfolio.

We also encourage managers to have regular one-to-one meetings with apprentices to catch up on how they are progressing and to join the apprentice and their coach for 30 minutes every 3-4 months for a general catch up about the programme.