Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice

Job Overview

Job Title:

Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice
Band: 2
Salary: £29,795 - £33,073

Location:

Liverpool / Birmingham
Contract Type:
Permanent - Apprentice

Hours:

Full Time

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. They provide you with the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to be fully effective in a designated role. With very few exceptions, you do not need to have related work experience/ qualifications to apply.

Throughout the Apprenticeship you put into practice what you learn, capture evidence of this and work hard. You will be assessed throughout and at the end by submitting coursework and End‑point assessment. You’ll have over the duration of the Apprenticeship a minimum of 20% of paid working hours to focus on skills development.

• Two A-levels in one or more similar subject plus B in A‑Level maths.
• 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.
• 3+ years in a similar subject‑related role.
• A first degree in a numerate discipline (but excluding Computer Science as not fundable).
• 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.
• Help 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.
• Curious about large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, or AI evaluation.
• Eager to learn and grow in a fast‑paced tech role.
• Passionate about AI, data, and innovation.

• Experience
• Behaviours:
  Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving Technical Skills.
• Technical:
  Basic knowledge and ability to use industry standard AI/ML programming languages and libraries.

• Competitive salary
• Generous pension scheme
• Discretionary non‑contractual performance‑related bonus
• Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location
• Flexi‑time scheme (available for B1‑B6)
• Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum of 30 days (excluding bank holidays)

GCA operates a smarter working model that balances flexibility with collaboration. Successful candidates are expected to spend at least 26 days per quarter (approximately 2 days per week, pro‑rata) at their contracted office, another GCA site, or off‑site for meetings. For the remainder of the time, you may work from home or another suitable location that meets business needs.

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