AI & Automation Apprentice

Salary: £22 – 25000. The role comes with a competitive benefits package including pension (7% company contribution), additional holiday purchase options and life assurance.

We offer a combination of mentoring and internal and external training opportunities, with specialist sector organisations and inhouse courses. You will have exposure to subject matter experts and additional online learning packages.

We are seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Apprentice AI & Automation Practitioner to join our organisation, a trusted supplier within the defence sector. The role will support the organisation in identifying, designing and implementing responsible AI and automation solutions that improve efficiency, reduce manual effort and help colleagues adopt smarter ways of working.

Working under the mentorship of the IT Manager, the apprentice will support business process improvement, low-code/no-code workflow development, AI-enabled solutions, documentation, testing and user adoption. The role will involve working with Microsoft technologies such as Copilot, Power Automate and Power Apps, alongside other approved business productivity tools where appropriate.

The Apprentice AI & Automation Practitioner will collaborate with colleagues across IT, Operations, Quality, Security and wider business teams to understand current processes, identify opportunities for improvement, support safe and ethical AI adoption, and help evidence the value delivered through automation, productivity improvement and digital transformation initiatives.

• Analyse existing workflows and business processes to identify inefficiencies, duplicated effort and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify, prioritise and document opportunities where AI or automation could improve productivity, accuracy, consistency or user experience.
• Support the design, configuration, testing and refinement of low-code/no-code workflows and automation solutions using approved tools.
• Help implement AI-enabled solutions such as summarisation, classification, agents, workflow routing or decision-support processes where there is a clear business need.
• Build, maintain and improve digital workflows, process maps, user guides, quick-reference materials and technical documentation.
• Evaluate AI and automation tools against business requirements, considering suitability, scalability, integration, security, privacy and governance.
• Work with technical colleagues, suppliers or architects where solutions extend beyond low-code/no-code platforms, translating business needs into clear functional requirements.
• Help colleagues adopt new AI and automation tools by providing clear communication, training, guidance and ongoing user support.
• Monitor automation performance and user feedback, making or recommending improvements to increase reliability, usability and value.
• Measure and report on the outcomes of automation work, including time savings, efficiency gains, service improvement or reduced manual effort.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation so decisions, testing, risks, approvals and outcomes can be reviewed and audited where required.

• We are looking for someone who has achieved either A Level or Level 2 Apprenticeship in an IT related qualification and has ideally gained 6 months' work experience in a similar discipline.
• Minimum of Level 2 English and Maths, or ability to evidence the required functional skills level for the apprenticeship.
• A strong interest in artificial intelligence, automation, technology and business improvement.
• Good problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse processes and suggest practical improvements.
• Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging with colleagues across different teams and levels of technical understanding.
• Good attention to detail, organisational skills and the ability to document work clearly.
• A proactive approach, willingness to learn and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Awareness of data protection, cyber security, privacy and responsible use of AI, or willingness to develop this knowledge as part of the role.
• Comfortable using Microsoft 365 tools; exposure to Copilot, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI or similar AI/automation tools would be advantageous.
• Be able to travel to different sites across England where required.
• Be eligible for Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

• Candidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK.
• Candidates must be willing to undergo an internal baseline personnel security standard check prior to starting their employment with the company.
• Candidates must be willing and eligible to complete a United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) security clearance application to the Security Check (SC) level upon starting their employment with the company. To gain SC Clearance you will normally need at least 5 years' UK residency.