QA launches NVIDIA-backed Level 6 AI apprenticeship

QA has become an official NVIDIA training provider and has launched a new Level 6 AI Engineer apprenticeship that includes NVIDIA's Generative AI Associate certification.

The collaboration brings NVIDIA courseware and credentials into QA's apprenticeship delivery model. QA plans to use apprenticeship levy funding to support delivery across the UK.

Apprenticeship route

The 19-month apprenticeship aligns with the Machine Learning Engineer standard (ST1398 v1.0) and integrates the NVIDIA Generative AI Associate Certification (NCA-GENL).

The programme spans the AI project lifecycle, starting with generative AI and prompt engineering. It is aimed at professionals already in related roles, including machine learning engineer, AI engineer and data engineer. It also targets early-career entrants from data, software or engineering backgrounds, and experienced practitioners reskilling into AI.

QA positions the programme as a way for employers to address AI skills gaps using levy funding, with a certification recognised beyond the UK.

NVIDIA network

QA has joined the NVIDIA Partner Network. As part of the membership, it will deliver training based on NVIDIA's materials and assessment structure, alongside its existing portfolio of digital, data and technology courses.

The move comes as UK employers face sustained pressure to recruit and retain AI and machine learning specialists. Organisations have also reported a need for structured training that links classroom learning with work-based projects. In the UK, apprenticeships have become one of the more established funding routes for this type of training.

QA describes its existing AI training portfolio as "market-leading" and expects the NVIDIA relationship to extend its offer in areas linked to generative AI. It also frames the partnership as part of a wider effort to grow AI skills in the UK workforce.

Work-based learning

The programme combines QA's apprenticeship delivery with NVIDIA's certification track. The structure reflects a broader trend in technical training, where vendors place more emphasis on credentials tied to specific learning outcomes. Employers increasingly use certifications both as a recruitment screening tool and as an internal benchmark for skills development.

In AI, demand has expanded beyond specialist data science roles. Businesses across sectors are building internal teams focused on model development, deployment and governance. That shift has increased demand for training that covers practical implementation as well as the day-to-day integration of AI into products and operations.

Jo Bishenden, Chief Learning Officer at QA, said the partnership linked apprenticeships with the UK's ambitions in AI.

"This is a significant moment for QA and for the UK's digital and AI future. Apprenticeships are central to the vision of a future UK economy powered by AI. They provide a proven route for businesses to develop the skills they need while creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in an AI-enabled world.

"We are excited to work alongside NVIDIA to bring cutting-edge AI training to learners, developers and organisations across the country."

Anthony Hills, Regional Director, UK&I, Enterprise and Public Sector at NVIDIA, said the programme reflected the value of learning while working.

"Having started my career as an apprentice, I know the impact of learning by doing. The QA-NVIDIA partnership combines hands-on training with cutting-edge AI skills.

"By adding NVIDIA's Generative AI Associate certification to QA's AI Engineering apprenticeship, we're helping people earn, learn and build job-ready skills in a technology shaping the future."

QA expects employers to take up the apprenticeship to build AI engineering capacity through work-based learning and existing funding mechanisms.