Learner Apprenticeship FAQs

A levy-funded programme that builds AI and automation into your existing role. You learn through real work, get coached and supported throughout, and finish with a nationally recognised qualification.

No time out of your job. No theory for theory’s sake.

Anyone who uses technology to get work done. That includes people in finance, people, operations, customer service, admin, coordination, team leadership, management, quality, improvement, transformation, data and tech roles. 

Whatever your team, if AI is changing how work gets done, there is likely a programme for you. 

Employers increasingly look for competency-based qualifications. An apprenticeship gives you real-life competency alongside the qualification, which is more meaningful on a CV. 

The new standards also evidence the behaviours employers want to see: commitment, the ability to deliver long-term, and applied skills. 

Yes. UK apprenticeships are about skills, not seniority. Many of our learners are experienced professionals and managers who want to: 

• Update their skills for AI-enabled roles 

• Formalise their expertise 

• Lead AI-driven change more confidently 

Programmes run from Level 3 to Level 7. 

Remotely, so you can access it from anywhere. Live sessions are recorded if you cannot attend live, but it is better if you can join so you can ask questions in real time. 

The programme is designed to run alongside your normal work. Each apprenticeship is split into modules, roughly one a month. Each month includes: 

• A two – four-hour taught session at the start 

• A couple of hours per week on tasks 

• On-the-job hours, where you practise relevant skills in your real work 

Every 12 weeks you have a review with your line manager and your apprenticeship coach to track progress. 

The monthly two – four-hour taught session is set, and recorded for catch-up. Everything else (coach sessions, reviews) is agreed between you, your manager and your coach. 

You can, but the off-the-job hours stay the same. If your programme requires 400 off-the-job hours, you will still need to complete all 400, which means more time away from your day job. Worth weighing up the impact on your team and workload before deciding to accelerate. 

Each programme ends with an End-Point Assessment, which usually includes a presentation, a portfolio submission and a Q&A. Some programmes also include a demand-led test. 

Throughout the programme you will complete assessments designed to prepare you, including assignments, professional discussions, case studies and presentations. Everything is set out in advance. 

You are not on your own. You will have: 

• Dedicated trainers and subject-matter experts 

• Regular coaching and check-ins 

• Progress tracking, with updates shared with your employer 

• Practical projects linked to your real work 

This is not self-study. Support is built in throughout. 

By your employer’s apprenticeship levy, or through government funding if your employer is non-levy paying. Either way, it is free to you. 

You stay on your current salary. Each programme is worth between £5000 – £20,000 of levy investment, covered by your employer. 

You need to have been living in the UK for at least three years. If you have been here for one year but not yet three, we can set a future start date that aligns with when you meet the requirement. 

If you are on a visa, you may still be eligible, but your visa needs to cover the full length of the apprenticeship. If you have only six months left, the best option is to wait it out or renew your visa early. 

Apprenticeships have changed in recent years. You can move up, sideways or down a level. The one exception: you cannot take a lower-level qualification in the same subject as a higher one you already hold. Our team checks eligibility before you start. 

Yes. You need to be in a role that aligns with the apprenticeship so you can gather the evidence required. Ofsted look for this and we contractually need your role to match the standard. You can always do a different apprenticeship later if your role changes. 

Most people are unsure where to start. Try these steps: 

1. Start with what you actually do, not your job title. Focus on what you spend most of your time on: improving processes, supporting customers, coordinating projects, working with data, leading people. 

1. Ask where AI or automation could make your work easier or better. Look at repetitive admin, reports that take too long, inconsistent tool use, processes that rely on individual knowledge, or decisions that could improve with better data. 

1. Sense-check the level, not just the topic. Roughly: Level 3 builds strong foundations and confidence, Level 4 specialises and leads delivery, Level 5+ shapes strategy. You do not need to be junior to do a lower level. It is about which skills need developing. 

1. Talk to our team. If two or three programmes feel close, that is normal. We can help work out which fits best. 

Do not start if you are not committed. This is a real investment in you, with around £16,000 of levy behind it. Be honest with yourself upfront about whether you can see it through. 

We follow you. We will speak to your new manager about supporting you through the rest of the apprenticeship. As long as your new role still matches the apprenticeship standard, we transfer you across. 

It is very rare for an employer to say no, but if they do, we can put you on a break in learning and pick it up later. 

We put you on a break in learning and stay in touch. As soon as you are set up in a new role, we pick the programme back up with you. 

Yes. You can start now, and when you move from La Fosse to your end employer, we move with you as your training provider. The apprenticeship continues with your new organisation. 

Frame the conversation around impact. The skills tie directly to team goals, so your team benefits too. Be upfront about the time commitment of a couple of hours of work time per week, but make clear it is levy-funded so there is no cost to the business. 

You could try: 

“I’ve been looking at a levy-funded AI-enhanced apprenticeship from Academy by La Fosse. It embeds AI into real roles using the levy we already pay, and focuses on productivity and performance. Would you be open to exploring whether it could work for me?” 

If your manager has questions or is not sure, our team can join a call with them. 

1. Register your interest with our team 
2. Your employer signs a contract of services 
3. You attend an information, advice and guidance session 
4. You complete an application 
5. You complete a skills scan, self-assessing against the new learning areas (be honest here, it helps us confirm the programme is right for you) 
6. We create your training plan 
7. Once paperwork is signed, you are invited to induction and learning begins

Most of this happens within days. 

We run regular cohort intakes. Our team can confirm the next available start dates. 

Our team can help with eligibility, programme fit and next steps. No obligation, just an initial conversation.