Level 6 AI/Machine Learning Apprenticeship Programme

We offer you the chance to start your career and make a real difference.
 

At the FCA, we regulate financial services firms in the UK to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, promoting economic growth, and shaping the future of UK financial services. We’re looking for apprentices to join our diverse and highly capable teams across the FCA.

About the Programme

The Level 6 Machine Learning Apprenticeship Programme aims to prepare you for a career in data-driven regulation. This role is designed for an apprentice to further develop practical skills in artificial intelligence, data analysis and machine learning while supporting our Data Technology and Innovation teams to use data and technology to improve decision making, insight and operational efficiency.

To apply for this programme, you will need to have:

• 2 A-Levels or equivalent at grade C
• 5 GCSE’s or equivalent at grade 4 (C) – 9 (A) including Maths and English.

And at least one of the following:

• An A-Level in a STEM subject (e.g. maths, science, computing)
• A Level 4+ technical apprenticeship (e.g. software engineering, DevOps, data engineering, data analyst or similar coding-based programme)
• 2+ years industry experience in a technical role involving programming, software development or data analysis
• A demonstrable interest in coding or data, supported by personal or academic projects

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready for roles across the FCA’s Data, Digital and Technology as a data science professional.

The key responsibilities of an AI/Machine Learning Apprentice will include: 

• Support the development and testing of machine learning and predictive models, helping with model build activities under guidance, contributing to experimentation, and testing outputs to make sure models meet agreed objectives.
• Prepare, explore and understand data for analysis and modelling. This includes supporting data collection, cleaning and validation, and carrying out exploratory data analysis to assess data quality, structure and suitability.
• Assist with feature engineering, model evaluation and performance monitoring by helping to identify relevant features, assess model performance, and support ongoing checks to ensure models remain accurate and reliable over time.
• Apply responsible AI, ethics and governance principles throughout model development. You’ll work in line with established policies and standards and build your understanding of ethical, legal and regulatory considerations, particularly in a public sector context.
• Work with stakeholders to understand analytical challenges and help translate them into data‑driven solutions. This includes supporting discussions with colleagues and business users, clarifying requirements, and helping shape appropriate analytical approaches.
• Document your work clearly and consistently, including data sources, assumptions, modelling decisions, limitations and outcomes, so that analysis is transparent, reproducible and accessible to others.
• Contribute to the collaborative, agile delivery of data and analytics work by actively participating in team meetings, sprint activities and knowledge sharing, working effectively with colleagues, and balancing delivery tasks alongside apprenticeship learning requirements.

You’ll benefit from:

• Formal learning aligned to your apprenticeship programme
• Bespoke induction and training
• Networking opportunities
• Social events with your apprenticeship cohort
• Opportunities to hear from senior speakers across the business

What we look for
We are looking for candidates who are curious and motivated to develop in a professional environment. Your ability to build relationships at all levels will help you thrive in a role here.

For this Level 6 apprenticeship we are looking for individuals with a passion for programming in addition to the academic / work based requirements below.

To apply for this programme, you will need to have:

• 2 A-Levels or equivalent at grade C
• 5 GCSE’s or equivalent at grade 4 (C) – 9 (A) including Maths and English.

And at least one of the following:

• An A-Level in a STEM subject (e.g. maths, science, computing)
• A Level 4+ technical apprenticeship (e.g. software engineering, DevOps, data engineering, data analyst or similar coding-based programme)
• 2+ years industry experience in a technical role involving programming, software development or data analysis
• A demonstrable interest in coding or data, supported by personal or academic projects

Our colleagues are from a wide range of backgrounds; you’ll learn and develop your skills through working in a team alongside experienced colleagues.

What we offer

• £28,000 salary
• Rewarding work environment and flexible working options
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing resources and support
• Private health care
• Career and family leave
• Non-contributory pension
• Charity and volunteering initiatives
• Minimum of 25 days’ holiday
• Sports and social clubs
• Subsidised on-site fitness centre (London only)
• Free eye tests
• Subsidised restaurant
• Interest-free season ticket loans

Application Process

Submit your online application by midnight, Sunday 26th April 2026. Please apply early, applications are progressed as we receive them and applications may close early if we receive a high volumes of candidates.

Only one application is accepted across our early careers programmes within any six-month period, so please apply to your first choice of programme. Any additional applications will not be progressed.

Please refer to the ‘What we look for’ section for application requirements

Your application and any work you submit throughout the recruitment process must be your own. Do not allow another person to complete any part of the assessment or submit responses generated by an AI assistant or similar software.

Please note that this role does not meet the government eligibility criteria detailed on Work in the UK - GOV.UK for visa sponsorship. We’re therefore unable to sponsor visa’s for this programme