AI & Automation Higher Apprenticeship - XMA

Higherin; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

From day 1: wellbeing app access

Free lunch once a month

Birthday off

Volunteering day

Electric car scheme

Pension scheme

Private health care

Employee store

Job summary

XMA is seeking an AI & Automation Apprentice to support the design, development, testing and maintenance of intelligent automation solutions, robotic process automations and AI-enabled workflows. Responsibilities include analysing processes for automation, building RPA bots, documenting requirements, and contributing to governance and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will work closely with business users and colleagues to learn and apply best practices, with the aim of delivering

Qualifications

• Level 3 Qualification or equivalent (Apprenticeship/A Levels/BTEC).
• GCSEs including English & Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
• Two years of relevant work experience may count toward eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist in analysing business processes to identify opportunities for automation, AI support or workflow improvement.
• Support the design, build, testing and deployment of RPA bots using approved automation platforms.
• Help develop AI-enabled solutions such as intelligent workflows, document processing, chatbots or decision-support tools.
• Translate business requirements into process maps, user stories and solution documentation.
• Maintain and update existing bots, workflows and automation scripts under supervision.
• Monitor bot performance and investigate exceptions to support resolution.
• Carry out testing, validation and quality checks for reliability and accuracy.
• Engage with business users to gather feedback and identify improvements.

Skills

Automation passion

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Team collaboration

Communication

Willingness to learn

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Curiosity

Education

Level 3 Qualification or equivalent

GCSE English & Maths (C or above)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Excel

SharePoint

Teams

Power Platform

Job description

The AI & Automation Apprentice will support the design, development, testing and maintenance of intelligent automation solutions, robotic process automations and AI-enabled workflows.

Responsibilities

• Assist in analysing business processes to identify opportunities for automation, AI support or workflow improvement.
• Support the design, build, testing and deployment of RPA bots using approved automation platforms.
• Help develop AI-enabled solutions such as intelligent workflows, document processing, chatbots, prompts, co-pilot or decision-support tools.
• Translate business requirements into clear process maps, user stories, test scripts and solution documentation.
• Maintain and update existing bots, workflows and automation scripts under supervision.
• Monitor bot performance, investigate exceptions and support issue resolution.
• Carry out testing, validation and quality checks to ensure automations are reliable, accurate and fit for purpose.
• Work with business users to gather feedback and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Maintain documentation, standard operating procedures, knowledge articles and user guides.
• Support governance, security and compliance requirements, including data protection, access controls and responsible AI principles.
• Participate in project meetings, workshops and sprint reviews as required.
• Keep up to date with emerging automation, AI and low-code/no-code technologies.

Required Skills

• Strong interest in automation, artificial intelligence, software development and digital transformation.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down processes into clear steps.
• Attention to detail and a structured approach to documentation, testing and troubleshooting.
• Good communication skills and confidence working with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Willingness to learn new tools, platforms and development practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and take guidance from more experienced colleagues.
• Professional approach to handling business data, confidential information and system access.
• Curiosity, initiative and a continuous improvement mindset.

The Following Experience Is Desirable

• Basic understanding of programming, scripting, databases or logic-based problem solving.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 tools, Excel, SharePoint, Teams or Power Platform.
• Awareness of business processes, workflow diagrams or process mapping.
• Interest in AI ethics, data privacy, security and responsible use of technology.
• Any previous exposure to automation tools, coding clubs, personal projects, online learning or relevant qualifications.

Entry Requirements

• Level 3 Qualification (Apprenticeship/A Levels/BTEC etc.)
• OR equivalent work experience (typically 2 years in a relevant role)
• 5 x GCSE’s including English & Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above.

AND

You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.

If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications.

Working Hours

9am - 5.30pm

Benefits

From day 1

• Free access to YuLife wellbeing app.
• Free lunch once a month.
• Birthday off.
• Volunteering day on top of your AL.
• Free Fuel Friday.
• Employee store.

Following a job offer

• Long service award.
• Electric car scheme.
• Cycle to work.
• Pension scheme.
• Private health care.
• Employee of the Quarter.

Future Prospects

90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.

About the Company

At XMA, we strive to unlock our clients’ potential by delivering innovative solutions and services that meet their needs. Then, we go the eXtra mile. Because we believe in eXceptional.

XMA supports your business every step of the way with our range of solutions and services, each one market-leading and fine-tuned to perfection. From seamlessly deployed hardware and bespoke software solutions, to shielding your assets with cutting-edge security, let our expertise steer your business. We’re with you every step of the way, helping you elevate customer satisfaction, streamline operational efficiency, and fuel growth. With over 35 years in the business and best-in-class solutions, see where eXceptional takes you.