Digital and AI Automation Apprentice

Salary: National Minimum Wage

Location: Oldham, Hybrid or onsite

Contract: 18-month apprenticeship

Reporting to: Director of Digital and Technology

Training course: Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship

Training provider: IN4 Group

Improving lives in Oldham. First Choice Homes Oldham has an exciting opportunity for a Digital and AI Automation Apprentice to join our Digital and Technology team. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in technology, AI, automation and digital improvement, and wants to develop their skills through a Level 4 apprenticeship while working on real projects across FCHO.

You’ll help us explore how AI and automation can improve services, reduce repetitive manual tasks and support colleagues to work more efficiently.

The impact you’ll make

You’ll help colleagues across FCHO find better, smarter and simpler ways of working. By supporting the design and testing of AI-enabled tools and low-code/no-code automation solutions, you’ll help reduce manual processes, improve productivity and support better customer and colleague experiences. You’ll be part of a team helping FCHO make the most of digital tools, including Microsoft Copilot, automation platforms and emerging AI technologies, while making sure we work safely, responsibly and in line with data protection, cyber security and governance standards.

What you’ll be doing

• Identify manual, repetitive or time‑consuming tasks across FCHO that could be improved through AI or automation.
• Work with colleagues across housing, customer services, data and digital teams to understand how processes work.
• Map processes and customer or colleague journeys to find opportunities for improvement.
• Support the design, testing and implementation of AI‑enabled and automated solutions.
• Use low‑code/no‑code tools, Microsoft Copilot and Power Platform to help improve everyday ways of working.
• Assist with testing AI‑powered tools that support productivity and better decision‑making.
• Support colleagues to understand and use digital and AI tools confidently.
• Help gather feedback, review data and understand how people use digital services.
• Support digital transformation and customer experience improvement projects.
• Complete your apprenticeship learning, assignments and assessments alongside your role.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is curious, motivated and excited by how technology, AI and automation can improve the way people work.

• A strong interest in technology, digital improvement, AI and automation.
• An understanding of key AI concepts, including large language models, retrieval augmented generation and agentic workflows.
• A basic understanding of Azure cloud platforms.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Visio.
• The ability to identify where AI and automation could improve business processes.
• The ability to understand business requirements and help translate them into technical solutions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Good customer service skills and the ability to work with colleagues across different teams.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• A willingness to learn, develop and take responsibility for your own apprenticeship progress.

You’ll also need GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent. A Level 3 qualification, such as A Levels, BTEC or apprenticeship, or equivalent work experience. It would be helpful, but not essential, if you also have knowledge or experience of Python scripting, data models and APIs, Microsoft Copilot Agent Builder or Copilot Studio, cyber security and best practice, automation platforms such as Microsoft Power Automate, system improvement projects, digital transformation or process mapping.

About the apprenticeship

You’ll complete a Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship with IN4 Group over 18 months. Your training will include a blend of self‑led learning, in‑person masterclasses and practical project work. You’ll apply what you learn to live projects at FCHO, helping to develop AI and automation solutions that support real business improvements.

What’s in it for you?

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and one company shutdown day.
• A 37‑hour working week.
• Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• 24/7 employee assistance support.
• Access to Doctorline for you and your family.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Access to wellbeing support and colleague benefits.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• A supportive team environment where you can learn, develop and build your career.

Inclusion and accessibility

We are committed to building an organisation that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills, and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. As an equal opportunities employer, FCHO is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective colleagues and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. We care that you have a great experience with us at FCHO. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments to make your experience smoother, please let us know and we’ll do all we can.

The Company

At First Choice Homes Oldham, we’re all about being a community anchor organisation and making a positive difference where we work. Our dedicated team delivers this every day through good quality, affordable homes, excellent services and thriving communities for customers living in our 11,500 homes across Oldham and surrounding boroughs. We’re a significant employer in the local area and we’re ambitious to grow. We ensure colleagues enjoy working at FCHO, are developed and can build careers for successful futures. Join us and become a part of a team passionate about providing homes we are proud of and improving lives.