Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice

Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice

Band: 2

Salary: £29,795 - £33,073

Location: Liverpool/Birmingham

Contract Type: Permanent - Apprentice

Hours: Full Time

Closing Date: 15/06/2026

As an Apprentice Machine Learning Engineer you’ll be focused on developing a foundational understanding of the Machine Learning (ML) life cycle. An essential part of the team, you will support your colleagues in delivering effective, secure, and sustainable ML models, while focusing on learning the fundamentals of the technical infrastructure required to design, train, deploy and scale these models in products and services.

An Apprenticeship provides work‑based, on‑the‑job training and development. The training is fully funded so it does not cost you anything and you will earn whilst you learn. You will be assessed throughout and at the end by submitting coursework and an end‑point assessment. You will receive a minimum of 20% of your paid working hours focused on skills development.

• Two A‑levels in one or more similar subject plus B in A‑level mathematics.
• Two A‑levels in one or more similar subject plus 2 years work experience in tech.
• Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship in a similar technical subject.
• International Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject.
• Three or more years in a similar subject‑related role.
• A first degree in a numerate discipline (excluding Computer Science as not fundable).

You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme.

• Design, prototype and test machine learning models.
• Run experiments to improve performance of AI systems and large language models.
• Build and manage tools for evaluating and deploying AI solutions.
• Monitor and support production AI systems to ensure they run smoothly.
• Work with teams across the business to align AI projects with real‑world goals.
• Stay up to date with AI trends and contribute fresh ideas.

• Some experience or knowledge in software, data or tech‑related fields.
• Python skills and interest in machine learning tools and frameworks.
• Curiosity about large language models, prompt engineering or AI evaluation.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a fast‑paced tech role.
• Passion for AI, data and innovation.

• Delivering at pace.
• Making effective decisions.
• Changing and improving.

• Basic knowledge and ability to use industry‑standard AI / ML programming language(s) and libraries.

• Competitive salary.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Discretionary non‑contractual performance‑related bonus.
• Ability to work remotely in addition to working in the advertised office location.
• Flexi‑time scheme (available for B1‑B6) – for SCS roles this bullet is removed.
• Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service‑related 30 days excluding bank holidays.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.