AI and Data apprenticeship programme frequently asked questions

The AI and Data Academy is a suite of fully-funded apprenticeship programmes delivered in partnership with Multiverse. It is designed to build practical AI and data skills across the University — with different programmes available depending on your role, experience, and goals. Learning takes place primarily during your working hours and leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Five programmes are available this cohort: three AI programmes:

• AI-Powered Productivity (Level 3, built with Microsoft — no prior technical experience required)
• AI Solutions Builder (Level 4 — design and build applied AI solutions)
• AI and Machine Learning Fellowship (Level 6 — build, train, and deploy machine learning models for those with existing technical foundations)

The two data apprenticeships available are:

• Data and Insights for Business Decisions (Level 3)
• Data Fellowship (Level 4)

No — apprenticeship levels describe the complexity and autonomy of the skills being developed, not academic difficulty. Level 3 for example uses an A-level framework, but the content is entirely professional and applied. Level 4 is equivalent to HNC or first year of a degree. Level 6 is degree-level. Having a degree does not disqualify you from Level 3. What matters is whether you already have a formal qualification in that specific discipline.

The starting point is the Skills Scan — an AI-powered assessment, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, looks at your current skills, your role, and your goals, and recommends the programme most likely to benefit you. The recommendation is a starting point, not a constraint. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for any programme. If you’re unsure, attend an Information Session first — open to all staff, no commitment required.

That’s fine. You can apply for any programme you are eligible for. If you’re surprised by the recommendation, consult with Multiverse on the programme recommended — the recommended programme is often a better fit than expected once you understand what it covers. One thing worth knowing: the ‘higher’ level isn’t automatically better. What matters is whether the content matches what you actually do in your role.

You must have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3+ years and spend at least 50% of your time physically based in England.

You must not hold a formal qualification or have extensive experience in the specific discipline and must not currently be enrolled in another apprenticeship or government-funded qualification. Not sure? The Multiverse admissions team can advise at an Information Session or during the application process.

The application takes around 25 to 30 minutes.

Steps

1. Attend an Information Session.
2. Complete the Skills Scan to get a programme recommendation.
3. Submit your application form.
4. Admissions team review: role fit, motivation, prior learning.
5. Your line manager confirms their support.
6. Faculty or Directorate lead confirms your place. Not every application will be successful — the process is designed to make sure the right people are on the right programme.

Yes. Managers need to support attendance at live learning sessions, protect ~3 hrs/week for off-desk learning, and help identify real projects to apply skills to. They also participate in quarterly progress reviews and support the off-the-job (OTJ) logging requirement. A People Leader Briefing will be available before the application deadline.

Your manager will be engaged by Multiverse through the application process, if possible, it may be beneficial to discuss your interest before attending an Information Session, however, you can also be discussed once you’ve heard more about the programmes if you are not able to speak to them in advance of the sessions.

If you would like to find out more about the programmes, please sign up to attend an information session.

All of this happens during your normal working hours - not evenings or weekends. Your line manager's support is required to help protect that time. But protected time only works if you use it: this requires real discipline, week in, week out, for the full duration of the programme.

The pace is intentionally challenging. In the early months especially, you will be investing significant time learning new skills without yet seeing the payoff in your day-to-day work. That is normal and it is worth it! Do not expect to feel more productive in week two. Expect to feel stretched and to see the impact by month four or five.

The apprenticeship programmes require a time commitment of roughly six hours per week spilt between structured learning and applying new skills in your role.

Weeks 1 to 2 focus on new skills: a module kick-off live workshop (60 mins), asynchronous content (around 90 mins across two days), and a second live workshop. Weeks 3 to 4 focus on application: a monthly applied project, a group coaching session (60 mins) with cohort peers, and an impact write-up and evidence logging (30 mins). During the month you also need to undertake and log off-the-job learning.

OTJ learning is a formal government requirement of all apprenticeships. It refers to learning activities distinct from your normal duties — even when they happen at work, during working hours. This includes attending live workshops, online learning modules, shadowing a colleague, and working with your coach. OTJ must be recorded and evidenced — your Multiverse coach will help you track it.

Each month you complete an applied project connecting that module’s learning to a real challenge in your LJMU role and you will submit one project per month. These are practical pieces of work you design and carry out yourself. Examples include automating a recurring admin task using Copilot, or prototyping an AI solution for a workflow problem. Projects build into a portfolio of evidence for your End-Point Assessment.

Holidays and planned leave are fully accommodated. Your Multiverse coach will adjust your learning plan around any absences. For extended leave, the programme is put on hold and resumed on your return. Keep your coach informed — they can adjust your plan proactively rather than reactively.

You’ll have a dedicated Multiverse coach for one-to-one reviews, End-Point Assessment (EPA) prep, and development planning, plus group coaching sessions with your LJMU cohort peers, and access to Atlas — Multiverse’s AI-powered learning tool providing instant feedback between sessions. You’ll also have access to Multiverse’s community of over 22,000 apprentices and quarterly progress reviews involving your line manager.

Every apprenticeship ends with an EPA conducted by an independent assessor — this is what results in your formal qualification. It typically involves a portfolio of project work, a presentation, and a professional discussion. Your Multiverse coach supports your EPA preparation throughout the programme.