Choosing the right AI apprenticeship level is one of the most important decisions employers make when upskilling their workforce. Pick too low and your people won't be challenged. Pick too high and they'll struggle with prerequisites they don't have.
This guide compares the three most common AI and data apprenticeship levels offered by TESS Group — Level 3, Level 4, and Level 6 — so you can match each learner to the right programme.
At a Glance
Level 3 — Data Technician
- Entry-level — no experience needed
- Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python basics
- For those starting a data career
- Minimal coding
Level 4 — AI & Automation
- No coding required
- Microsoft Copilot, process automation
- For any department — HR, Ops, Finance, Marketing
- Up to 5 qualifications
Level 6 — ML Fellowship
- Deep learning, NLP, computer vision
- Python, TensorFlow, MLOps
- For technical AI/ML roles
- Degree-level qualification
Detailed Comparison
| Level 3 Data Technician |
Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner |
Level 6 ML Fellowship |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Equivalent to | A-levels | First year of degree | Full bachelor's degree |
| Duration | 12–15 months + EPA | 15–18 months + EPA | 18–24 months + EPA |
| Coding required? | Minimal Basic formulas & SQL intro | None No coding at all | Yes Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch |
| Prior experience | None required | None required — designed for non-technical professionals | Some data/tech background expected |
| Key skills learned | Excel (advanced), Power BI dashboards, SQL queries, Python basics, data governance | AI fundamentals, Microsoft Copilot, process automation, responsible AI, department-specific AI application | Deep learning, NLP, computer vision, MLOps, model deployment, neural networks |
| Tools covered | Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python | Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, automation platforms, Power Automate | Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Jupyter, cloud ML platforms |
| Best for | Junior staff starting a data career. Teams needing better Excel & BI skills. | Any department wanting practical AI skills. HR, Finance, Ops, Marketing, Sales, Admin. | Technical teams building & deploying ML models. Data science departments. |
| Ideal learner | Keen to learn, currently in admin/support/junior roles, comfortable with numbers | Experienced professional in any role who wants to use AI tools to work smarter | Has some programming experience, interested in technical AI/ML career |
| Qualifications earned (with TESS Group) |
L3 Data Technician standard + functional skills if needed | L4 standard + up to 5 certs: BCS, Microsoft AI-900, NCFE, Prompt Engineering, AI Governance | L6 standard (degree equivalent) + specialist ML certifications |
| Career outcomes | Data Technician, Junior Analyst, BI Assistant, Reporting Analyst | AI Practitioner, Digital Transformation Lead, Process Automation Specialist, AI Project Lead | ML Engineer, AI Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Architect, MLOps Engineer |
| Funding | Levy or 95% government co-investment | Levy or 95% government co-investment | Levy or 95% government co-investment |
| Cost to learner | Free | Free | Free |
Which Level Should You Choose?
Choose Level 3 if...
- Your team members are new to data and analytics
- You need people who can build dashboards, run reports, and work with databases
- The learner is in an early-career or administrative role
- You want a stepping stone — L3 completers often progress to L4 AI & Automation
Choose Level 4 if...
- You want AI skills across your whole organisation, not just the IT team
- Your people are experienced professionals who need AI tools, not coding
- You want the maximum number of qualifications from a single programme
- Departments like HR, Finance, Operations, or Marketing need AI upskilling
- You're looking for the best ROI on your apprenticeship levy
Choose Level 6 if...
- You're building a dedicated AI or data science team
- The learner has some programming experience and wants to go deep on ML
- You need people who can build, train, and deploy machine learning models
- You're looking for degree-level technical AI capability
Can Learners Progress Between Levels?
Yes — and this is one of the smartest strategies for building AI capability across your organisation. Many employers start learners on Level 3 Data Technician, then progress them to Level 4 AI & Automation once they've built a data foundation. For learners who show strong technical aptitude, Level 6 ML Fellowship provides a degree-equivalent route into advanced AI roles.
TESS Group offers all three levels, making it easy to build a progression pathway without switching providers.
Explore all AI programmes: Compare all 5 of our AI apprenticeships — from Level 3 to Level 6, for every department. View AI Apprenticeships →
Not Sure Which Level Is Right?
Our team will assess each learner and recommend the right programme. No obligation, no pressure — just an honest conversation about what will work best for your people.
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