Newcastle Career Changer Level 6 (Degree Equivalent) AI Engineer Apprenticeship 2026

Accenture; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consulting firm is offering an AI Engineer Apprenticeship in Newcastle, starting in May 2026. This role includes designing and building software solutions that leverage AI, training in software engineering, and hands-on experience on real client projects. Applicants should have a degree in a non-technical field or equivalent qualifications, along with GCSEs in Maths and English. The apprenticeship features a competitive salary and various benefits, including paid leave for volunteering and a pension plan.

Benefits

25 days' vacation plus bank holidays

Pension plan with matched contributions

Elective private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• No prior experience in tech required, just a strong interest in software engineering and AI.
• Ability to learn and grow new tech skills continuously.
• Flexibility and resilience to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and build software solutions integrating AI capabilities.
• Develop strong foundations in software engineering.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on various projects.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Education

2:2 degree in non-technical subject or equivalent Level 6 qualifications

GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4-9 (A*-C)

Job description

Overview

Newcastle Career Changer Level 6 (Degree Equivalent) AI Engineer Apprenticeship 2026

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

Department: Technology UK

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Newcastle

Compensation: GBP 32,028 per year

The Role at a Glance

As part of our newly launched Level 6 (Degree Equivalent) AI Engineer Apprenticeship Programme, you'll design and build software solutions that harness the power of AI tools and modern development practices. You'll gain hands-on experience in creating applications, platforms, and services that integrate AI capabilities to solve real-world business challenges and deliver meaningful impact.

Working across a variety of industries, you'll contribute to projects that involve cloud-native development, scalable architectures, and intelligent automation. You'll develop strong foundations in software engineering—such as coding, testing, and deployment—while learning how to embed AI technologies effectively into end-to-end systems.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you'll sharpen your engineering skills, grow your understanding of AI's role in modern software, and shape your career at the intersection of technology and innovation.

Heather Smith, Senior Manager, North East Early Talent Lead: shares the vision behind the programme:

"We launched this programme to open up new pathways into Engineering in the age of AI for people from all backgrounds. It's about building the next generation of talent who can apply AI responsibly and creatively to solve real-world problems for our clients and communities."

Why Join Us

We're proud to be one of the World's Best Workplaces™, with a culture built on care, inclusion and shared success. You'll work with diverse teams, grow quickly, and be supported every step of the way. Whether it's embedding sustainability, advancing responsible AI, or creating meaningful change - we're committed to doing business the right way, for people and the planet.

When you join, you'll start on a salary of GBP 32,028 per year plus access to a competitive range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' vacation per year, plus bank holidays.
• 3 days paid leave per year for volunteering or charitable work of your choice.
• Pension plan with matched contributions from Accenture.
• The option to purchase Accenture shares at a 15% discount through our Employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Elective private medical insurance (with the option to extend cover to family) including online GP access and self-referral physiotherapy.
• Free eye tests and annual flu jabs.
• Life assurance cover.
• Access to app-based fitness classes and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing tools to help reduce stress, improve sleep, manage finances, and support caregiving.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme for guidance on challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, legal and financial concerns.
• Opportunity to join various employee societies and clubs.
• Enhanced paid parental leave entitlement (subject to terms).

What You'll Learn

You'll receive a blend of structured learning, hands-on experience, and tailored apprenticeship training to help you grow into a confident tech professional. From day one, you'll be supported by mentors, coaches, and a dedicated Accenture team focused on your development and wellbeing.

You'll get access to:

• Core Apprentice Training: Your journey will begin with a comprehensive 5-week training programme designed to give you a strong foundation in both technical and professional skills. You'll explore the fundamentals of AI and data handling while also learning how modern engineering teams operate—using agile methods, collaboration tools, and real-world problem solving
• Project-based learning: You'll work on real challenges for real clients. With support from experienced teams, you'll gain practical knowledge and grow your confidence on the job.
• Technology Exposure: Every project is different—and so is the tech. You'll get hands-on experience with a wide range of technologies and systems, along with training to help you understand and implement them effectively.
• Professional Development: We invest in your continuous growth through our extensive learning portal, offering curated pathways, classroom-based and self-paced courses, and on-demand resources to keep your skills sharp throughout your apprenticeship.
• Apprenticeship Training: You'll study towards the Level 6 (Degree Equivalent) AI Engineer Apprenticeship through BPP University. The programme lasts for 16 months. You'll spend one day a week at university and four days working on client projects—applying what you learn in real time. On successful completion, you'll have the opportunity to move into a permanent role at Accenture.

What You'll Need

If you're ready to make a career change and step into the world of AI, this programme may be ideal for you.

To join our Level 6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship, you'll need:

• A 2:2 degree in non-technical subject or equivalent Level 6 qualifications (NVQ, Diploma, Certificate, or Award)
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4-9 (A*-C)
• A-Level Maths is a bonus but not essential
• 2 years of work experience in any field

You don't need a background in tech—just a strong interest in Software Engineering and AI, and a desire to learn something new. This is a chance to reskill and transition into a tech career, with hands-on experience, structured learning, and support every step of the way. Plus, on successful completion, you'll have the opportunity to top up to a MSc Degree, fully funded by Accenture, further accelerating your career in tech.

To make the most of this opportunity, you'll need to have:

• A continuous desire to learn and grow your tech skills.
• Flexibility and resilience to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the confidence to share ideas.
• Commitment and motivation to balance work and study as you build your new career.

If you're motivated, eager to learn, and ready to make a real impact, this could be the perfect opportunity to launch your career in tech.

Your Development Path

Once you've completed your initial training, you'll be ready to take on your first role. Project placements vary depending on business needs, and we encourage our apprentices to explore a range of opportunities.

Typical roles on this programme may include:

• AI Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Solutions Architect

Throughout your apprenticeship—and beyond—you'll be supported with ongoing training, coaching, and guidance to help you grow your skills and shape your career.

In your first 6 months, you may work across a variety of projects, giving you the chance to explore the breadth of what we do, apply what you are learning at university and discover where your strengths and interests lie.

On completion of your apprenticeship, you'll be aligned to a specialised business area that reflects your ambitions. From that point on, you'll continue to build expertise, take on more responsibility, and shape a career path that's uniquely yours.

To bring this to life, here are some examples of career changers who have successfully transitioned into tech roles at Accenture.

• Jake joined Accenture in 2024 after six years as a Technology Recruiter specialising in AWS Cloud and DevOps. He now works as a DevOps Engineer for a Health & Public Sector client, upgrading software to build automated systems that enhance development and improve reliability.
• Caitlin joined Accenture in 2024 after three years as a Community Link Advisor at a mental health charity. She now works as a Programme & Project Management Analyst, delivering cybersecurity services across industries and managing end-to-end engagements to ensure streamlined, high-quality delivery.
• Nick joined Accenture in 2024 after nine years in Media & Communications. He now works as a Business Architecture Analyst, bridging business and technology by translating requirements into actionable solutions that drive large-scale technology transformations for clients.

Where you'll work

At Accenture, we value collaboration and connection. You'll be expected to work from your assigned UK office at least three days per week, so you must live within commuting distance. Depending on project needs, you may also spend time at client sites across the UK—sometimes more than three days a week.

Expect a dynamic, hands-on environment where in-person teamwork helps you grow, build relationships, and make a meaningful impact.

Visas

Please note: Due to UK Government funding regulations, we're unfortunately unable to sponsor work permits for our apprenticeship programmes. To be eligible, applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Please click here to view our visa policy.

Key Dates

The start date for the programme is May 2026. Places are offered on a first come first served basis; we encourage you to apply early. Deadline for applications is 28 February 2026.

How to Apply

You can apply for one role in one location each year, so take your time choosing the best fit for you.

Step 1: Submit your Application Online

• Complete and submit your application online.

Step 2: Complete the Discovery Portal

• This is our online assessment designed to evaluate your strengths and skills.
• It also gives you a feel for what it's like to work at Accenture.
• You'll receive a personal feedback report - whether you pass or not.

Step 3: Interviews

If you pass the assessment, you'll be invited to interview with us. Interviews typically include:

• One interview with a recruiter
• A final interview with a manager from the business.

Visit our Assessments Portal for more details on what to expect at each stage.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, colour, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected applicable law.

Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.