Artificial intelligence (AI) apprenticeships are an ideal way to break into the industry with no experience. They can kickstart your career, improve your knowledge and academic development skills, all while helping you earn money. With an apprenticeship, you also get to work with real clients and build a portfolio in the process.
This article will teach you all about AI apprenticeships. By the end, you will be able to decide on a career path in AI and learn how to get jobs in the field.
What Is an Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship?
AI apprenticeships are training programs during which people upgrade their skills by working in the field. AI apprentices develop, program, and train complex networks of algorithms. An apprenticeship is a good way to practice your skills, get real-life experience, and build your portfolio. While most apprenticeship programs pay their apprentices, not all do.
However, you stand to gain more than you lose as the company you apprentice for may also choose to make you a full-time employee on completion of the program. The duration of an apprenticeship depends on the company and could range from three months to a year. IT and digital apprenticeships could last for up to two years.
What Does an Artificial Intelligence Apprentice Do?
An AI apprentice works with experienced AI engineers to build algorithms that can function like the human brain. They will work to develop software that can be used for robots and AI applications. As an apprentice, you may not get to work independently on projects, but you will work closely with experts to expand your knowledge and skills.
You will also collaborate with other teams, like electrical or robotics engineers to come up with AI designs. As an AI apprentice, you should be skilled in programming languages, linear algebra, and statistics. You should also know about signal processing techniques and neural network architectures, as well as have communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Salary
While there is no official salary rate for AI apprentices, the average annual salary of AI engineer interns is $52,867 as of September 2025, according to ZipRecruiter.1 ZipRecruiter also reports that in 2025, professional AI engineers earn about $106,386—so apprentices may expect to earn a salary that’s somewhere in between.2
Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Requirements
The requirements for apprenticeships differ based on the company, but they are usually similar. AI apprentice applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. Those who do not have a degree can get accepted with four years of experience in the field or bootcamp training.
Some programs also accept applicants who are self-taught or have little experience in relevant programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript. Online learning or a blended approach can be a great way to limit the hours per week you’ll have to commit.
Types of Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeships
There are several career opportunities awaiting you in the AI field. You can work as a machine learning engineer, business intelligence developer, big data engineer, robotics engineer, data scientist, AI research scientist, or product manager.
Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer works to develop machine systems that can make accurate predictions and resolve data problems. They use algorithms for building AI software like virtual assistants and driverless cars. An example of AI software is Apple’s Siri, which can work as a virtual assistant.
Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist
AI research scientists are professionals who conduct research with consumers to analyze and understand their problems and help AI engineers solve these problems. They create reports, research papers, and pursue new technologies that can be used to solve consumer problems and establish new areas of research.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are in charge of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting raw data to glean valuable information that can help organizations make well-informed decisions and optimize processes. They collect data from multiple sources to come up with solutions to problems and help a company achieve its business goals.
Big Data Engineer
Big data engineers are professionals responsible for a company’s big data. They develop, test, and maintain big data solutions for a company by gathering data from several sources and making it easily accessible to end-users. You can become a big data engineer through a coding bootcamp or an apprenticeship program.
Robotics Engineer
Robotic engineers are in charge of creating prototypes, building machines, and testing and maintaining the software that controls them. They begin by conducting research to determine the most cost-effective and safe methods of manufacturing robotic systems. They use communication techniques and storage architectures to make sure robots can function.
Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Programs to Explore
Given the exploding popularity of AI, there’s ample opportunity to participate in AI apprenticeships in 2025.3 The world keeps evolving through technology, making AI even more valuable each year. Below, you’ll find a few AI apprenticeship programs available as of September 2025.
LinkedIn Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Engineering Apprenticeship
LinkedIn’s REACH Apprenticeship Program includes a dedicated track in artificial intelligence and machine learning.4 This apprenticeship position is paid and designed for people from nontraditional backgrounds who want to build real AI skills.
Apprentices join LinkedIn engineering teams, working on live projects that involve building machine learning models and improving large-scale systems. Alongside technical training, participants gain soft skills through mentorship and professional development workshops.
The program runs for about a year and offers a structured application process. Graduates leave with the technical expertise and work experience needed to compete for AI careers at LinkedIn or beyond.
Diplo AI Apprenticeship Online Course
Diplo’s AI Apprenticeship is an online program that combines structured coursework with applied projects.5 Participants explore topics such as artificial intelligence ethics, governance, and the role of machine learning in shaping policy worldwide.
Apprentices apply their knowledge in real-world practice, working with partner organizations to deliver solutions in areas like responsible AI development and digital diplomacy. This format helps learners gain both technical expertise and a unique perspective on how AI impacts global institutions. Graduates finish with new skills that prepare them for careers at the intersection of policy, technology, and international organizations.
Utah Valley University AI Apprenticeship
Utah Valley University (UVU) offers one of the first Department of Labor–registered AI apprenticeships in the U.S.6 This program combines full-time paid employment with coursework in applied data science, machine learning, and AI systems development. Apprentices earn college credit and may pursue industry certifications, giving them both skills and academic credentials.
The program is designed to help AI apprentices gain a competitive advantage in the job market by building work experience while they study. With direct employer partnerships and faculty mentorship, UVU helps prepare students for long-term careers in artificial intelligence and related fields.
Youth Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Programs to Explore
Health Tech Alley Data Analytics Youth Apprenticeship
Health Tech Alley’s Department of Labor–recognized program is part of the growing field of registered apprenticeships.7 This Data Analytics Youth Apprenticeship blends classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training in data science and analytics. Apprentices learn programming skills like Python and SQL while working with employer partners to analyze real healthcare data.
The program emphasizes access for students, ensuring a pathway into high-demand roles for a more diverse workforce. Apprentices gain both technical and soft skills, building confidence and earning credentials that give them a competitive edge in the artificial intelligence job market.
AIYouth Registered AI Apprenticeships
AIYouth runs a network of registered apprenticeships focused on developing the next generation of AI talent.8 These paid apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with structured instruction, allowing AI apprentices to master machine learning techniques, build machine learning models, and apply AI skills directly in the workplace. The initiative partners with employers, schools, and workforce boards to create more opportunities for workers and students nationwide.
Apprentices graduate with credentials and the skills needed to leverage AI responsibly across industries. By connecting learners to real projects, AIYouth helps build a stronger, more innovative workforce ready for future challenges.
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How to Get an Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship
There are several education options that you can use to your advantage to land a spot at an AI apprenticeship. Not only can they increase your chances of finding an apprenticeship, but they also provide you with the hard skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Some of them include coding bootcamps, internships, trade schools, and vocational training programs.
Bootcamps
Artificial intelligence coding bootcamps are designed to equip students with in-demand skills sought after by employers and typically offer post-graduation career services.
Some bootcamps partner with companies that may hire students after they complete a program. They may organize events for students to meet with potential employers and recruiters to showcase their portfolios and skills. They also help students acquire apprenticeships, internships, and permanent roles.
Internships
Internships are programs that are organized by universities or companies to allow students to gain on-the-job training. They are sometimes a part of a school or bootcamp’s curriculum, something that should be viewed as a benefit when applying to a school or bootcamp.
Through an internship, you can find apprenticeship openings within your company or land apprenticeship roles at other companies. Completing an internship means you have experience using technical skills and soft skills to get the job done.
Trade Schools
Trade schools often partner with companies to help their students gain job experience. These schools specialize in equipping students with the specific skills needed to perform a job role or work in a field. Attending one will give you the relevant knowledge and practical skills needed to land apprentice roles.
Vocational Training
Vocational training programs are programs that equip students with the technical skills needed to perform a technical task or job. They prepare their students to start technical jobs or careers and become skilled workers. With the training obtained from a vocational program, you can apply for apprenticeship programs.
Is an Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Worth It?
An AI apprenticeship is worth it if you’re looking to break into the tech industry. As a graduate with a college degree who has yet to get a job, a bootcamp graduate, or a self-taught AI engineer, an apprenticeship can help you gain the relevant experience needed to land professional AI roles and have a rewarding career in artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship FAQ
To become an artificial intelligence engineer, you typically need a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. You also need to have good computer skills, programming skills, problem-solving skills, analytical thinking skills, and critical thinking skills.
According to a 2025 report by McKinsey & Company, “92% of companies plan to invest more in gen AI over the next 3 years.”9 This showcases the growing demand for artificial intelligence and the need for professionals to fulfill AI-powered jobs as technology continues to expand and evolve.
You can get a job in AI without a degree by joining a coding bootcamp, applying for internships that don’t have hard prerequisites, or taking on an AI apprenticeship. These methods will help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to start a career in the field.
Artificial intelligence isn’t the easiest to grasp, but with the right amount of dedication, time, and effort to learn, understand, and practice, it’s a rewarding and fulfilling discipline.
Sources:
1 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Ai-Engineer-Intern-Salary#Yearly
2 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Artificial-Intelligence-Engineer-Salary
3 https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/the-state-of-ai-related-apprenticeships/
4 https://careers.linkedin.com/reach/AI
5 https://www.diplomacy.edu/course/ai-apprenticeship/
6 https://www.uvu.edu/cte/ai-apprenticeship/index.html
7 https://healthtechalley.org/data-science/
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