Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice

Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice

Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer - Apprentice

Band: 2

Salary: £29,795 - £33,073

Location: Liverpool/Birmingham

Contract Type: Permanent - Apprentice

Hours: Full Time

Closing Date: 15/06/2026

Interview Date(s): W/C 29th June (subject to change)

About the Role

As an Apprentice Machine Learning Engineer you'll be focused on developing a foundational understanding of the Machine Learning (ML) life cycle. An essential part of the team, you will support your colleagues in delivering effective, secure, and sustainable ML models, while focusing on learning the fundamentals of the technical infrastructure required to design, train, deploy, and scale these models in products and services.

Key Accountabilities

• Design, prototype, and test machine learning models
• Run experiments to improve performance of AI systems and large language models
• Help build and manage tools for evaluating and deploying AI solutions
• Monitor and support production AI systems to ensure they run smoothly
• Work with teams across the business to align AI projects with real-world goals
• Stay up to date with AI trends and contribute fresh ideas

Apprenticeship Details

An Apprenticeship provides work-based, on the job training and development. The training is fully funded so it does not cost you anything and you will earn whilst you learn. They provide you with the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to be fully effective in a designated role. Therefore, with very few exceptions, you do not need to have related work experience or qualifications to apply.

What's important throughout the Apprenticeship is that you put into practice what you learn, and capture evidence of this so your progress and increasing capability can be assessed.

To help you manage your learning we'll give you over the duration of the Apprenticeship, a minimum of 20% of your paid working hours to focus on skills development. This means you won't be asked to study in your own time. However, both the role and the Apprenticeship are very demanding and you'll need to work hard.

You will be assessed throughout and at the end of your Apprenticeship by submitting coursework and End-point assessment. There is plenty of support and you'll be part of a larger apprentice community and where possible we'll get you involved in 'apprenticeship related' activities, so you'll get to know people outside of your own team or Department.

Further information can be found in the apprenticeship standard: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st1398-v1-0

Apprenticeship Eligibility Criteria

Acceptable qualifications include any of:

• Two A-levels in one or more similar subject plus B in A-Level maths
• Two A-levels in one or more similar subject plus 2-years work experience in tech
• Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship in a similar technical subject
• International Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject
• 3+ years in a similar subject-related role
• A first degree in a numerate discipline (but excluding Computer Science as not fundable)

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. For more information please visit the UK ENIC website.

Please Note: If you don't meet the above apprenticeship criteria we cannot progress your application for this role. If you are not sure whether or not you meet the criteria please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk

Essential Criteria

To be assessed at application stage:

• Some experience or knowledge in software, data, or tech-related fields
• Python skills and interest in machine learning tools and frameworks
• Curious about large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, or AI evaluation
• Eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced tech role
• Passionate about AI, data, and innovation

Success Profiles

To be assessed at interview:

• Experience Behaviours: Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving
• Technical Skills: Ability to demonstrate a basic knowledge of, and ability to use, the Industry standard AI / ML programming language(s) and libraries (to be assessed via presentation at interview)

A link to the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework is provided below.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous pension scheme
• A discretionary non-contractual performance related bonus
• Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location
• Flexi time scheme (available for B1-B6)
• Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service related 30 days excluding bank holidays

Working Arrangements

GCA operates a smarter working model that balances flexibility with collaboration. Successful candidates are expected to spend at least 26 days per quarter (approximately 2 days per week, pro-rata) at their contracted office, another GCA site, or off-site for meetings. For the remainder of the time, you may work from home or another suitable location that meets business needs.

About GCA

Government Commercial Agency (GCA) is the largest public procurement organisation in the UK. With over 800 staff, we help thousands of public and third sector buyers in the UK with billions of pounds of spending each year. We have a wide range of commercial agreements to help our customers buy what they need, when they need it - saving time and money.

We offer fantastic benefits as well as career development opportunities, have an inclusive culture that values work-life balance and offers flexibility in how you work.

Selection Process

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, which the Civil Service may use to fill future suitably similar vacancies across government for candidates who are considered appointable following interview. Should you be placed on a reserve list and want to be removed please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk.

Please note that as part of this recruitment process, if you are unsuccessful at the interview stage but are close to the benchmark score you may be considered for and offered a role at a lower pay band within the same job family.

Important Information

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Civil Service Code: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

Complaints Procedure: Our recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles details of which can be found at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk in the first instance. If you remain unsatisfied with the response you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk

Internal Candidates: Internal candidates should apply using their Workday account. Please use the careers hub for your application.