AI & Automation Practitioner Apprentice
WILLIAM HUGHES LTD
DORSET (DT10 2RZ)
Closes on Wednesday 14 October 2026
Posted on 1 September 2026
Contents
Summary
William Hughes is seeking an forward thinking individual to join our team as an AI & Automation Practitioner Apprentice. Play a key role in helping us review, modernise, and improve our administrative and quality control processes through the effective use of technology, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Wage
-
£15,392 to £24,454.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Salary of £10.85 - £13.50 per hour, depending on age, skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Training course
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner (level 4)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday- specific hours to be agreed.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Review existing administrative and quality-related processes to identify opportunities for improvement
- Investigate and implement solutions using AI, automation tools, and Microsoft technologies
- Develop, maintain, and improve spreadsheets, databases, and reporting systems using Microsoft Excel
- Support the introduction of new digital systems and improved file management processes
- Help automate repetitive tasks and workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy
- Work with colleagues to understand challenges and recommend practical technology-based solutions
- Assist in the development of quality control monitoring, reporting, and data analysis tools
- Produce clear documentation, guides, and training materials for new systems and processes
- Deliver training and support to colleagues to help them utilise new technologies effectively
- Monitor the performance and impact of implemented solutions and recommend further improvements
- Ensure all solutions comply with company policies relating to data security, confidentiality, and quality standards
- Support wider continuous improvement and digital transformation projects across the business
Where you'll work
STATION ROAD
STALBRIDGE
DORSET
DT10 2RZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
YEOVIL COLLEGE
Training course
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner (level 4)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Review, establish, follow and or amend policies and procedures on data and information security.
- Follow ethical, responsible and safe working practices respecting confidentiality and sensitive organisational matters.
- Undertake analysis to identify if automation is viable. Including assessing risks such as data quality, process maturity and unintended consequences of AI automation projects, such as the impact on job roles.
- Engage with non-technical staff to understand their roles, responsibilities, and concerns when automation solutions are proposed and implemented. Adapt approach to support workforce needs when implementing solutions that impacts the workforce.
- Support with the introduction, adaption, and implementation of change. Contribute to constructive dialogue between leaders and employees about the adoption of AI and automation solutions.
- Review and complete workflow and process mapping to identify problems or inefficiencies and recommend solutions including pilots, incremental changes and scaling opportunities.
- Use automation design tools to suit the organisational context to configure, adapt and implement AI or automation solutions, such as conversational agents, text processing AI, workflow automation platforms and cloud based SaaS or PaaS.
- Create and refine prompts for AI tools, using iterative testing to achieve accurate and useful outputs.
- Apply analytical and computational techniques using tools and datasets to design, evaluate, and optimise automation solutions.
- Integrate AI and automation technologies to collect, process, and manage data effectively, enabling intelligent and efficient system operation.
- Design, integrate, and test digital workflows and AI automation tools using APIs, connectors, or low-or no-code integration methods.
- Iterate solutions based on testing and feedback to ensure reliability, security, accessibility, and alignment with organisational needs.
- Identify opportunities to deliver automation. Support leaders in integrating ethical, empathetic approaches when decision-making.
- Support in the identification and evaluation of opportunities for increased productivity. For example, use of low-or no-code tools, streamlining processes and use of AI platforms.
- Make evidence based suggestions to support governance, outcomes and facilitate improvement for example cost benefit analysis.
- Report on productivity and efficiency savings and the opportunities for automation and where applicable when automation does not improve experience or processes.
- Contribute to sustainable and efficient AI and automation solutions.
- Support with the delivery of training to technical and non-technical user groups or audiences adapting content and format responding to feedback and organisational context.
- Contribute to the creation and or adaption of resources such as user guides, training materials, process documents to meet user requirements.
- Work collaboratively to deploy AI and automation strategies. Support where required to deal with the impact of automation for example retraining, redeployment, or upskilling of affected staff.
- Undertake data analysis, preparation, and conversion to support automation solutions.
- Present and communicate information including the translation of technical concepts into accessible materials to support clear dialogue with stakeholders.
- Work with others to achieve agreed outcomes or outputs. Provide evidence-based analysis and insight to leaders on the likely human impacts of automation projects.
- Use project management principles, techniques and tools to support the development of clear, balanced communications and briefings, articulating both opportunities and risks.
- Keep up to date with existing, evolving, emerging technologies and sector trends in AI, automation and technology including methods to evaluate vendor and supplier solutions.
- Apply ethical and human-centred design principles when scoping, developing, and deploying automation and AI solutions, underpinned by robust governance.
- Apply technical understanding to help align business needs with technical capabilities, supporting the development of solutions that are scalable, efficient, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Undertake assurance activities to evidence responsible AI and automation, including maintaining clear documentation of design and decision-making, contributing to risk assessments, and applying assurance frameworks to support compliance with organisational, regulatory, and ethical standards.
- Apply algorithmic impact assessment and workforce equality monitoring techniques when scoping, implementing, and reviewing AI and automation projects. Gather and analyse relevant workforce data, identify potential equality risks, and contribute evidence-based recommendations to support fair and inclusive adoption.
- Review, establish, follow and or amend policies and procedures on data and information security.
- Follow ethical, responsible and safe working practices respecting confidentiality and sensitive organisational matters.
- Undertake analysis to identify if automation is viable. Including assessing risks such as data quality, process maturity and unintended consequences of AI automation projects, such as the impact on job roles.
- Engage with non-technical staff to understand their roles, responsibilities, and concerns when automation solutions are proposed and implemented. Adapt approach to support workforce needs when implementing solutions that impacts the workforce.
- Support with the introduction, adaption, and implementation of change. Contribute to constructive dialogue between leaders and employees about the adoption of AI and automation solutions.
- Review and complete workflow and process mapping to identify problems or inefficiencies and recommend solutions including pilots, incremental changes and scaling opportunities.
- Use automation design tools to suit the organisational context to configure, adapt and implement AI or automation solutions, such as conversational agents, text processing AI, workflow automation platforms and cloud based SaaS or PaaS.
- Create and refine prompts for AI tools, using iterative testing to achieve accurate and useful outputs.
- Apply analytical and computational techniques using tools and datasets to design, evaluate, and optimise automation solutions.
- Integrate AI and automation technologies to collect, process, and manage data effectively, enabling intelligent and efficient system operation.
- Design, integrate, and test digital workflows and AI automation tools using APIs, connectors, or low-or no-code integration methods.
- Iterate solutions based on testing and feedback to ensure reliability, security, accessibility, and alignment with organisational needs.
- Identify opportunities to deliver automation. Support leaders in integrating ethical, empathetic approaches when decision-making.
- Support in the identification and evaluation of opportunities for increased productivity. For example, use of low-or no-code tools, streamlining processes and use of AI platforms.
- Make evidence based suggestions to support governance, outcomes and facilitate improvement for example cost benefit analysis.
- Report on productivity and efficiency savings and the opportunities for automation and where applicable when automation does not improve experience or processes.
- Contribute to sustainable and efficient AI and automation solutions.
- Support with the delivery of training to technical and non-technical user groups or audiences adapting content and format responding to feedback and organisational context.
- Contribute to the creation and or adaption of resources such as user guides, training materials, process documents to meet user requirements.
- Work collaboratively to deploy AI and automation strategies. Support where required to deal with the impact of automation for example retraining, redeployment, or upskilling of affected staff.
- Undertake data analysis, preparation, and conversion to support automation solutions.
- Present and communicate information including the translation of technical concepts into accessible materials to support clear dialogue with stakeholders.
- Work with others to achieve agreed outcomes or outputs. Provide evidence-based analysis and insight to leaders on the likely human impacts of automation projects.
- Use project management principles, techniques and tools to support the development of clear, balanced communications and briefings, articulating both opportunities and risks.
- Keep up to date with existing, evolving, emerging technologies and sector trends in AI, automation and technology including methods to evaluate vendor and supplier solutions.
- Apply ethical and human-centred design principles when scoping, developing, and deploying automation and AI solutions, underpinned by robust governance.
- Apply technical understanding to help align business needs with technical capabilities, supporting the development of solutions that are scalable, efficient, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Undertake assurance activities to evidence responsible AI and automation, including maintaining clear documentation of design and decision-making, contributing to risk assessments, and applying assurance frameworks to support compliance with organisational, regulatory, and ethical standards.
- Apply algorithmic impact assessment and workforce equality monitoring techniques when scoping, implementing, and reviewing AI and automation projects. Gather and analyse relevant workforce data, identify potential equality risks, and contribute evidence-based recommendations to support fair and inclusive adoption.
Training schedule
The apprenticeship training is delivered through a combination of workplace learning and regular college attendance. This training will teach you the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the AI and Automation Practitioner level 4 Apprenticeship. On completion the apprentice will receive the Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Qualification. Functional Skills in maths and English may also be required depending on current level.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C)
- Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
You MUST be prepared to commit to your work and training for the duration of the apprenticeship. In some cases, you may be required to have a telephone interview with Yeovil College prior to your application being passed on. If a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date, it may close earlier so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
About this employer
William Hughes has evolved from wire specialists to trusted innovators in spring, wire form and assembly solutions. We’ve been engineering solutions since 1790 and today, our team continues that legacy, designing, prototyping and producing precision springs, wire forms and complex assemblies for some of the most demanding industries.
Our success has been based on the traditional values of a family firm’s commitment to its customers, concern for quality and a dedication to continual improvements in production and technology, with the latest in CNC, robotic and cleanroom technologies. Our facilities in the UK, Bulgaria and Poland are trusted by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across aerospace, automotive and medical manufacturing.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the Apprenticeship will then lead to further progression and advancement within the company. Many of our Apprentices go on to senior roles in the Company, both in the UK and in our European companies in Poland and Bulgaria.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
YEOVIL COLLEGE
Gabrielle Cobner
studentrecruitment@yeovil.ac.uk
01935 845380
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000050758.
Apply now
Closes on Wednesday 14 October 2026