AI Champion - Advanced Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Summary
The Level 3 AI Champion Advanced Apprenticeship (which aligns to the Digital Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard) is designed to help individuals develop the skills needed to embed artificial intelligence into everyday workplace tasks using AI tools to improve efficiency and performance. Nowadays every organisation — large or small, public or private — depends on technology to deliver services efficiently and stay competitive with AI being increasingly used to make business operations smoother, quicker and more effective.
Created specifically to allow organisations to grow AI skills in-house , this apprenticeship has been designed to help organisations get the very best from their digital systems, in particular leveraging the power of the latest AI innovations to drive business performance and growth. At the end of their apprenticeship, apprentices will be ideally placed to
- plan and implement AI strategies by rolling out relevant AI tools to the wider organisation and training stakeholders
- consider the ethical use of AI and ensure it is adopted responsibly
- collect feedback, ensure data quality and security, and provide ongoing support to optimise AI tools
For employers, this apprenticeship offers a practical, future-focused solution to digital skills shortages. For apprentices, this is an exciting opportunity to build a career at the heart of digital change.
Apprenticeship standard dates
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Anytime
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University Centre
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Next steps
As an Employer
If you would like to offer this as an apprenticeship vacancy within your organisation, enrol one of your existing employees on this apprenticeship or simply find out more about supporting an apprenticeship within your organisation, please complete the Enquire Now form above and a member of our Business Development Team will be in touch within 2 working days to advise you on next steps.
As an Apprentice
If you are interested in securing an apprenticeship as an AI Champion, please visit our Vacancies page to check for any suitable roles.
If there are currently no roles available, please submit an enquiry form using the Enquire Now button above to register your interest. We will use this information to let you know when a suitable vacancy becomes available and also to advise you of any courses we offer that might advance your career goals in the meantime.
Key information
How will the Apprenticeship be funded?
As the employer
How your apprenticeship is funded will depend on whether or not you pay the Apprenticeship Levy. If you do pay the Levy, your apprenticeship will be funded out of this, provided you have sufficient monies available. If you do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy, 95% of the apprenticeship will be funded by the Government, with the remaining 5% being funded by you. There may also be some further incentives offered by the Government which we will be able to advise you of when setting up your apprenticeship. Either way, B&FC's Business Development Team will be on hand to help you navigate the funding arrangements and support you through this process.
As the apprentice
One of the benefits of an apprenticeship is that, as the apprentice, you are not required to fund your training. You will also receive a wage for the work that you do with minimum hourly rates set by the Government. Your employer can choose to pay you more than the minimum wage, but they cannot pay you less. For details of current minimum wage rates for apprentices, please visit the Government website.
What will my Apprentice learn?
Knowledge
- How different AI models, tools and automation platforms can streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and increase organisational performance.
- How AI-enabled productivity software, digital office technologies and information systems are used to analyse, create, manage and securely share data in collaborative environments.
- Principles of AI-driven data management, including model training data, storage, back-up, governance, protection, legislation and information security.
- The relationship between AI infrastructure, digital architecture, operating systems and cloud technologies, and how these elements integrate to support scalable business operations.
- Methods for diagnosing and resolving AI-related issues, monitoring model performance, supporting users through helpdesk or prompt-support systems, and maintaining high levels of customer service.
- Importance of an organisation’s AI-enabled digital presence, including ethical use of AI in branding, communication, customer interaction and multi-channel engagement.
- Continuous improvement, professional development (CPD), time management and the use of AI-generated insights to support evidence-based decision-making and performance optimisation.
- Current and emerging AI and automation technologies, sustainability considerations and the implications of AI-driven digital transformation for organisations.
Skills
- Identify opportunities where AI can significantly improve systems, processes and decision-making, and select the appropriate AI tools or models to implement those improvements.
- Use AI-enabled digital tools and collaborative technologies to communicate, co-create content and work effectively within teams.
- Manage, govern and protect data used in AI systems in line with organisational policies, ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
- Operate and maintain AI-supported digital systems and databases, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities for automation or optimisation.
- Diagnose, document and resolve AI-related technical or application issues to maintain service quality, accuracy and reliability.
- Support AI-driven digital transformation activities by applying analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers through digital and traditional channels, using AI tools to tailor messaging and adapt style to audience needs.
- Coach and guide users to develop confidence and competence in AI tools, prompt design and intelligent systems.
- Continuously develop own AI knowledge and skills to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Behaviours
- Work independently and take responsibility for delivering high-quality, professional support.
- Apply initiative and problem-solving to overcome challenges and improve digital processes.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and a strong customer focus in all interactions.
- Take ownership for continuous learning and development to enhance performance.
- Promote secure, ethical and sustainable working practices that support organisational goals.
- Remain adaptable, positive and collaborative when dealing with change or digital transformation.
- Contribute to a productive team environment, respecting others and maintaining confidentiality.
How will the Apprenticeship be delivered?
The apprenticeship will be delivered over a 12-month period with additional 3 months to prepare for the End Point Assessment. The off-the-job training element of the apprenticeship has been designed to be delivered online making access to the programme as easy as possible from any UK location. It may, however, be possible to arrange face-to-face or hybrid delivery models if these are preferred by individual employers.
What support will I get from B&FC?
As the employer
Each employer is supported by an experienced member of our Business Development Team to set up their apprenticeship. For those employers who are completely new to the apprenticeship process, the Team will support them with all the necessary paperwork and administration to get their apprenticeship programme up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. For existing employers, their dedicated Client Services Manager will be an ongoing point of contact for all their apprenticeship queries, however big or small.
We can also help employers who are looking to recruit new apprentices by advertising their vacancy, finding suitable applicants and supporting them with the interview and selection process. Once an apprentice is onboard, our Curriculum Tutors and Apprenticeship Trainers and Skills Coaches also step in to support the employer-apprentice relationship and ensure the apprentice is on track to succeed.
As the apprentice
In the first instance, we aim to give potential apprentices all the support they need to find a suitable apprenticeship. That can mean working with them prior to an application to improve their CV, hone their interview skills and advise them of any additional training that may help them secure an apprenticeship vacancy.
Once they start their apprenticeship, we continue to support them with their off-site training and with regular meetings with our Apprenticeship Trainers and Skills Coaches to ensure they are progressing and acquiring all the knowledge, skills and behaviours that will ensure they complete their apprenticeship successfully.
How will the Apprenticeship be assessed?
What is an end-point assessment and why it happens
An EPA is an assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. The EPA is the apprentice's opportunity to show an independent assessor how well they can carry out the occupation they have been trained for. Apprentices need to complete a logbook of their training during the last eight months of their apprenticeship which showcases all the work they have carried out prior to their EPA.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
- fail
- pass
- merit
- distinction
When the apprentice passes the EPA, they will be awarded their apprenticeship certificate.
Assessment methods
The EPA comprises two distinct components:
Project report with presentation, questions and answers
The apprentice will be required to complete and report on a project that is a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. Once complete, the apprentice must present the project and undertake a Q&A session with an independent assessor.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
The apprentice will have an interview with an independent assessor. During this interview, the assessor will ask the apprentice at least six questions, which cover different aspects of their role with the aim of assessing whether the apprentice has satisfactorily acquired all the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. The portfolio of evidence the apprentice has compiled will enable them to answer these questions effectively.