Applicant Portal

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We’re a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE’s ‘Golden Thread’ (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

• To support Best Practice Network to design, implement and maintain practical AI and automation solutions that improve internal processes and digital learning delivery, while working towards a Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation apprenticeship. The apprentice will help identify automation opportunities, build and test AI enabled workflows, and support colleagues to use these tools safely and effectively. 
   
• 24month Fixed Term Contract 

Key responsibilities 

1. Process analysis and opportunity spotting 

• Work with colleagues across BPN (e.g. D&D, operations, apprenticeships, quality) to map key processes and identify where AI or automation could reduce manual workload or improve quality. 

• Document current workflows, pain points and risks using simple processmapping tools and agreed templates. 

• Gather and summarise user requirements for small AI/automation projects under supervision. 

2. Building and configuring AI and automation solutions 

• Configure and test lowcode / nocode automation tools (e.g. workflow automation, forms, integrations) to streamline tasks such as data entry, reporting, notifications and content updates. 

• Support the use of AI tools (e.g. for drafting content, summarising text, basic data analysis) within agreed guardrails and policies, ensuring appropriate prompts, approvals and checks are in place. 

• Assist in preparing and cleaning data needed for AI or automation solutions, following BPN’s data protection and security procedures. 

• Document configurations, decisions and changes so solutions can be maintained and audited. 

3. Monitoring, testing and improvement 

• Carry out testing of new automations and AIenabled workflows, logging issues and helping to refine solutions before wider rollout. 

• Monitor basic performance metrics (e.g. time saved, error rates, user feedback) and prepare simple reports or dashboards for project leads. 

• Contribute to postimplementation reviews, capturing lessons learned and suggestions for further optimisation. 

4. Support, training and collaboration 

• Provide firstline support to colleagues using new AI or automated processes, escalating technical issues where needed. 

• Help create short guides, FAQs and “howto” resources (written, video or visual) to support safe and effective use of AI and automation tools. 

• Promote good practice around “humanintheloop” use of AI, including when staff should review, override or challenge AI outputs. 

• Work collaboratively with digital, IT and data colleagues, participating in regular checkins or project meetings and sharing progress updates. 

5. Governance, ethics and risk management 

• Follow BPN’s AI and data policies, including rules on privacy, safeguarding, security, and appropriate use of generative AI. 

• Help maintain simple registers of AI and automation use (e.g. what tools are used where, for what purpose, and who owns them). 

• Flag potential risks or issues (e.g. data quality, bias, overreliance on automation) to line managers promptly. 

6. Apprenticeship learning and development 

• Engage fully with the Level 4 AI and Automation apprenticeship, completing all required offthejob training, assignments and reflections. 

• Maintain an uptodate portfolio of workbased evidence that demonstrates the apprenticeship standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. 

• Plan and record a minimum of 6 hours per week offthejob learning in agreement with line manager and training provider. 

• Keep up to date with developments in AI, automation and datadriven tools relevant to BPN’s work. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Strong interest in AI, automation, data and digital ways of working. 

• Good general IT skills and confidence in learning new software tools. 

• Logical, problemsolving mindset with attention to detail. 

• Ability to organise workload, follow processes and meet deadlines. 

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical ideas simply to nontechnical colleagues. 

• Collaborative, curious and open to feedback. 

• Eligibility and commitment to undertake and complete a Level 4 apprenticeship. 

Desirable 

• Some experience with spreadsheets, basic data analysis, scripting, low/nocode tools or workflow automation (through study, work or personal projects). 

• Awareness of AI tools (e.g. chat assistants, summarisation, content generation) and their basic strengths and limitations. 

• Understanding of data protection, confidentiality or safeguarding principles in an education setting.