GOV.UK Science and Technology · Updated 28 Sept 2026
Official updateWORKFORCEAI ADOPTION
Independent programme guidance
Start with the capability you want to build.
Find programmes shaped around the work you do.
Explore User, Enabler, Technical and Leader pathways, then narrow the options by practical focus, role, industry and technology. We look beyond apprenticeship titles to understand what each programme actually offers.
Capability first
What capability are you trying to build?
Choose a parallel starting point, then refine it through the work someone needs to do differently.
Capability layer
AI USER
Use AI more effectively and responsibly in everyday work.
Explore programme directionsCapability layer
AI ENABLER
Improve workflows, introduce automation and help teams apply AI.
Explore programme directionsCapability layer
AI TECHNICAL
Build, integrate and maintain AI and data solutions.
Explore programme directionsCapability layer
AI LEADER
Guide AI strategy, investment, governance and organisational adoption.
Explore programme directionsCategories are not grades or a compulsory ladder. A programme may support more than one category where evidence justifies it, and actual responsibilities matter more than a job title.
Official reference layer
The standard is the reference. The provider programme is the learning offer.
These standards make AI explicit and central, but actual programmes can differ in curriculum, practical work, technology access and support.
ST1512 · Level 4 · AI ENABLER
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner
Identifies, designs and delivers practical improvements to business workflows using AI, automation and digital tools.
£18,000 max
ST1398 · Level 6 · AI TECHNICAL
Machine learning engineer
Designs, builds, deploys and validates machine-learning and artificial-intelligence solutions using data from multiple sources.
£22,000 max
ST0763 · Level 7 · AI TECHNICAL
Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist
Uses advanced computational methods and complex data to discover AI solutions that improve and automate business processes.
£17,000 max
Verified standards data
Use the official standards reference
The 13-standard directory remains available for national facts, source links, levels and funding bands. Programme discovery is a separate layer built around actual learning needs.