For Learners & Apprentices

Build the career you actually want.

Earn a salary while gaining up to 5 industry-recognised qualifications. 100% levy funded. No tuition fees. From AI and data to leadership and coaching, build a career from practitioner to senior leader with TESS Group.

Monthly starts, 100% levy funded
Dedicated skills coach + industry mentor
Ofsted Good provider, 4.9/5 learner rating
Find Your Programme How It Works
Ready to talk? Book a discovery call or call 01604 210 500.
What You Get

More than just a qualification

A TESS Group apprenticeship is a full career development programme, combining real work, expert training, and industry-recognised credentials.

Up to 5 qualifications

Graduate with Microsoft, BCS, CMI, CIPD and NCFE certifications alongside your apprenticeship standard, all included at no cost to you.

Earn while you learn

You work in a real role, earning a real salary from day one. No tuition fees, no student debt. Your training is 100% levy funded through your employer.

No coding required

Our AI programmes are designed for non-technical roles. If you work in HR, finance, marketing, or operations, you can learn AI tools without any programming background.

Expert practitioner trainers

Learn from trainers who have done the job, not academics. Our industry practitioners bring real tools, case studies and practical techniques from your sector.

Dedicated support team

Every learner gets a skills coach and technical mentor. Regular 1:1s, progress reviews, and help whenever you need it, from enrolment through to end-point assessment.

Real business projects

You stay in your role day to day, applying new skills to real work as you learn. Your portfolio is built from genuine business challenges you have solved, not hypothetical exercises.

Progression Pathway

Where can an apprenticeship take you?

An apprenticeship is a launchpad. Progress through levels, stack qualifications, and build a career path from practitioner to senior leader.

L3
Level 3, Foundation

Starting your career

Team Leader, HR Support, Business Admin, Customer Service, L&D Practitioner. Build core professional skills and your first qualifications.

L4
Level 4, Practitioner

Developing expertise

AI & Automation, AI for People Leaders, Data Analyst, Project Manager. Apply advanced skills and earn Microsoft, BCS or CMI certifications.

L5
Level 5, Management

Leading teams

AI for Operations Leaders, Operations Manager, Coaching Professional, People Professional. Lead departments and drive organisational change.

L6
Level 6, Strategic

Senior leadership

AI & ML Fellowship and Senior People Professional. Shape strategy, lead transformation, and earn the advanced credentials that open executive roles.

Looking at senior leadership? Progression to Level 7 is still available by enquiry. Speak to us about our Senior Leader Apprenticeship if you are exploring an MBA-equivalent route.
How It Works

Your apprenticeship journey

From your first conversation to completing your end-point assessment, here is what to expect.

Week 1

Onboarding & induction

Meet your skills coach and technical mentor. Set your learning goals, understand your programme structure, and get access to your learning platform and resources.

Months 1 to 3

Building foundations

Weekly workshops with your trainer, online or in person. Start applying new skills in your role immediately. Begin working towards your first qualifications.

Months 3 to 12

Developing mastery

Deepen your expertise through real business projects. Complete portfolio evidence. Earn your embedded qualifications (Microsoft, BCS, CMI, NCFE). Regular progress reviews with your coach.

Months 12 to 15

Gateway & assessment

Prepare for your End-Point Assessment (EPA) with dedicated support. Your coach guides you through portfolio submission, professional discussion, and any practical assessments.

Completion

Graduation & next steps

Achieve your apprenticeship standard, receive your qualifications, and plan your next move, whether progressing to the next level, taking on a new role, or stepping into leadership.

How Learning Works

Learning in the flow of work

Our apprenticeships are not a course you step away from work to attend. You learn continuously, apply daily, and build your portfolio from the real work you are already doing. A typical month blends ongoing application with protected structured learning and regular coaching.

Every day

Apply as you learn

Put new AI tools, skills and frameworks into practice in your actual role. Most of your evidence is generated naturally from tasks you are already doing, with monthly microtasks to push your thinking and capture progress.

Every month

Structured learning block

A focused module release, a live workshop with your industry practitioner trainer, and protected time to work on your portfolio. Your employer safeguards dedicated learning time so your development never gets squeezed out.

Ongoing

1:1 skills coaching

Regular check-ins with your skills coach to review progress, unblock challenges, and shape your portfolio. A technical mentor backs you up on subject expertise, and your cohort is there for the bits you want to talk through.

Choose Your Path

27+ programmes across 5 specialisms

Whether you are interested in AI, leadership, HR, coaching or business, there is a programme designed for where you want to go.

AI & Data

AI & Automation, AI for People Leaders, AI for Operations, AI & ML Fellowship, Data-Driven Team Leader.

Levels 3 to 6 • no coding needed for L4

Leadership & Management

Team Leader, Operations Manager, AI for Operations Leaders. CMI and ILM embedded qualifications.

Levels 3 to 5

HR & People

HR Support, People Professional, Senior People Professional. CIPD qualifications embedded.

Levels 3 to 5

Coaching & Mentoring

Coaching Professional with embedded ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring.

Level 5 • CMI & ILM certified

Business & Projects

Business Administrator, Associate Project Manager, Improvement Practitioner. APM aligned.

Levels 3 to 5

Not sure which programme is right for you? Try the Programme Finder →

Learner FAQ

Common questions from learners

Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
If you are employed in the UK (or about to start a job) and will be developing genuinely new skills through the programme, you are likely eligible. There is no upper age limit. You can be new to a role or have years of experience, what matters is that the apprenticeship teaches you something new. Most of our learners are existing employees being upskilled.
Do I need any prior qualifications?
For most Level 3 programmes, no prior qualifications are required. For Level 4 and above, we look for relevant work experience rather than academic qualifications. For AI programmes specifically, you do not need any coding or technical background, we build from foundations up.
How much time will I spend studying?
Most of your learning happens in the flow of work. On top of that, you get protected time for structured development, a minimum of six hours a week averaged across the programme, which we typically shape as a monthly rhythm of module work, a live workshop with your trainer, and 1:1 coaching. Your employer is legally required to protect this time, and we help you plan it around your role so it feels practical rather than disruptive.
Will I still be paid during the apprenticeship?
Yes, you are a full employee throughout. You receive your normal salary, including during protected learning time. There are no tuition fees at all. The training costs are fully covered by your employer’s Apprenticeship Levy (or 95% government-funded for non-levy employers).
What support will I get?
Every learner gets a dedicated skills coach for regular 1:1 check-ins and progress reviews, a technical mentor for subject-specific guidance, access to our online learning platform, and a cohort of fellow learners to share experiences with. If you are ever struggling, your coach is your first point of contact, we do not let anyone fall behind.
How do I get started?
Speak to your employer about funding an apprenticeship through the Apprenticeship Levy, or contact us directly on 01604 210 500 and we can explain the options to both you and your employer. If your employer is already a TESS client, ask them about enrolling on a programme, we have monthly starts available.

Ready to start your journey?

Find the right programme for you and take the first step. No tuition fees, up to 5 qualifications, and a career path that grows with you.

Find Your Programme Book a Discovery Call