UK Launches First Level 4 AI and Automation Apprenticeship Standard
16 December 2025 
The Coders Guild, a leading provider of digital skills training, apprenticeships and software development bootcamps, says it has worked with Skills England and the Department for Education to author the UK’s first Level 4 AI and Automation Apprenticeship Standard, marking a major milestone in building a future-ready workforce equipped to harness the power of artificial intelligence.
As the pace of AI adoption accelerates, this new apprenticeship will give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to the critical AI and automation skills needed to compete, innovate, and future-proof their organisations.
The 18 month apprenticeship equips learners to identify, implement and manage responsible AI and automation projects and is available to both employers and learners.
Recent research, commissioned by The Coders Guild, shows that 68% of SMEs want more affordable AI solutions, while 51% need hands-on support.
Additional research also shows that just 12% of SMEs have invested in AI training and the majority (52%) cite lack of internal skills as a barrier.
The findings also show that IT, communications, finance and health and life sciences are leading in AI adoption, while more traditional sectors such as transport, construction, and manufacturing lag behind.
39% of firms cited difficulty identifying use cases, 21% pointed to cost, and 16% highlighted a lack of skills as the biggest obstacles to adoption
For smaller firms, a lack of understanding and limited access to affordable solutions are the most significant challenges.
Crispin Read, Founder of The Coders Guild (pictured), said: “Our findings show that nearly half of UK microbusinesses (fewer than 10 employees) say they don’t expect to use AI at all – and as a leader in digital skills, it’s concerning.”
He adds: “This apprenticeship is about giving SMEs the confidence and capability to adopt AI in a way that really delivers value. For many businesses, especially in traditional industries, AI feels complex or out of reach. But with the right training, you can put someone in your team who not only knows how to use AI effectively but can also train and support other staff.”
“The result is efficiency, time saving, and smarter use of data – all of which free up people to focus on higher-value work. Most importantly, it future-proofs your business. AI is moving fast, and SMEs cannot afford to get left behind. This programme gives them a skilled person in-house who can drive that change and help them adapt sustainably.”
The new apprenticeship will directly address these barriers, enabling businesses to train staff who can lead on identifying opportunities, deploying practical AI tools, and embedding automation strategies across their organisations.
UK SMEs interested in the apprenticeship can now pre-apply for the apprenticeship here: https://thecodersguild.org.uk/apprenticeship/ai-automation-level-4-apprenticeship/