As AI continues to redefine industries and reshape the global economy, businesses face a critical challenge: finding the talent to deploy AI solutions that deliver impact. Cambridge Spark, a leader in AI and data education, is addressing this urgent need by partnering with 27 pioneering employers to deliver the UK’s first AI Engineer apprenticeship, with training starting this week.
"AI is no longer a future ambition—it’s a necessity for businesses that want to remain competitive," said Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Group CEO and Founder of Cambridge Spark. "Yet too many organisations struggle to develop the AI talent they need. By working with 27 forward-thinking employers, we are creating a pipeline of AI engineers who will not only fill this critical skills gap but also help their businesses innovate and unlock the full power of AI."
This ground-breaking programme, based on the newly released L6 Machine Learning Engineer standard, addresses the urgent need for AI skills by providing hands-on machine learning training combined with real-world business applications that deliver impact and progress towards strategic goals. The programme enables organisations to upskill employees, operationalise machine learning and deploy AI solutions in their operations.
"At Pearson, we’re embracing the potential of AI to enhance learning and improve outcomes. The AI Engineer apprenticeship equips our workforce with the practical machine learning skills needed to build solutions that create real impact for learners and educators alike." Helen Walker, VP Technology, Pearson TQ.
Empowering Organisations to Lead in AI
With employers including UCL and Pearson plc and ranging from sectors including life science, cybersecurity, councils and the charity sector, the launch of this programme reflects the breadth of demand for AI skills across the UK economy.
By investing in this apprenticeship, organisations are ensuring their workforce has the specialist expertise to build and deploy AI solutions that create real business impact.
“UCL's Data Strategy aims to improve how we leverage data to make better decisions, enhance student and staff experience, and remain secure and compliant. Two of the fundamental enablers for our Data Strategy vision are the development of our staff, and increased use of AI, and so we are very excited that UCL is part of the first cohort of the new Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeships. Successful apprentices will develop skills in machine learning, predictive modelling and AI policy and process which will make an impact at UCL, and bring us closer to achieving our Data Strategy vision.,” Martin Howell, Director of Data & Insights, UCL
Shaping the Future of AI Talent
The launch of this apprenticeship marks a major milestone in the UK’s AI skills agenda. As businesses increasingly turn to AI to boost productivity, automate processes, and enhance customer experiences, having the right talent is no longer optional—it’s essential. Through this apprenticeship, Cambridge Spark is ensuring the UK workforce is ready to lead in an AI-powered future.
For more information about the Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeship, visit here.