GOV.UK Science and Technology · Updated 28 Sept 2026
Official updateWORKFORCEAI ADOPTION
All standardsDiscuss this route
AI TECHNICALAI-ADJACENT
ST0825 · Version 1.1
DevOps engineer
Start with the work someone needs to become competent in and the capability they need to develop.
Builds and operates automated software-delivery and infrastructure practices; relevant to AI where the job includes ML or AI platforms.
An updated version of this standard is scheduled to take effect on 18 December 2026. Current-version information remains primary until that effective date.
Overview
What this apprenticeship develops
Builds and operates automated software-delivery and infrastructure practices; relevant to AI where the job includes ML or AI platforms. It is designed around the occupation in the official standard, not simply access to AI tools.
AI TECHNICAL: People building, integrating or maintaining AI and data solutions.
Role fit
Who it is designed for
- Employees responsible for software platforms and delivery automation
- DevOps staff supporting AI or data workloads
Where AI genuinely fits
AI-ADJACENT: The standard can support AI adoption in the right role, but its occupational scope is broader than AI.
- Software delivery automation
- Cloud and platform operations
- Deployment pipelines
- MLOps foundations where the role supports AI systems
Learning
What someone will learn and apply
Outcomes
Roles and business value
Recognition
Qualification and professional recognition
Practicalities
Entry and delivery considerations
Funding
Funding and eligibility
£17,000
Maximum funding band
The funding band is the maximum government funding available for eligible training and assessment. The actual funding route and employer contribution depend on the learner, role, employer circumstances and rules in force at the start date.
- Funding and learner eligibility depend on the rules in force on the apprentice's start date.
- The apprentice must have an eligible job in England that allows them to develop and demonstrate the standard's occupational competence.
- Prior learning, residency, employment status, age and employer circumstances can affect eligibility or the amount funded.
Decision check
When another route may fit better
Programme selection
What to investigate in a provider programme
Independent guidance
Compare delivery options without a public provider ranking
Delivery can vary by structure, duration, qualifications, technology access and learner support. We maintain verified provider intelligence privately and use it only to support a needs-led review.
Verified options available for review
Evidence
Sources and verification
- Last verified
- 23 September 2026
- Official last reviewed
- Not published