Degree Apprentice - AI and Automation

Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

At Barnsley Council you can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping our council and residents to be the best they can be.

We’re an award-winning council and one of the biggest employers in the borough, supporting around 243,000 people. We put people at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our employees. As part of the team, we offer lots of benefits and rewards to support you to thrive and grow, like flexible working, employee discounts, support for your health and wellbeing, and opportunities for training and development to grow your career and develop your skills.

There’s so much happening in our thriving borough, and now’s the perfect time to join our excellent Technology and Innovation team as we work to make Barnsley the place of possibilities.

• We’re an award-winning team and one of the biggest employers in the borough supporting around 243,000 people.
• Working at Barnsley Council means being part of a team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, where you can develop the skills you need to make change happen.
• If you join the team you’ll receive great pay alongside an excellent pension scheme. With flexible working we’ll also support your work/life balance, helping you to adjust your hours and take time off when you need it.
• We’ll help you to develop your career and grow your skills with opportunities for training and development.
• There’s so much happening in our thriving borough and your talent and skills will help us make Barnsley the place of possibilities.
• Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley.

About the Post

Degree Apprentice – AI & Automation Team

Are you curious about how technology can improve public services and keen to build a career while earning a degree? Barnsley Council is offering an exciting opportunity for a Degree Apprentice to join our forward‑thinking AI and Automation Team, supporting the council’s digital transformation journey.

As a Degree Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced colleagues while studying towards a relevant degree. You’ll gain hands‑on experience helping to design, support, and improve digital tools that make a real difference to how services are delivered for residents and staff. This role is ideal for someone who is motivated, eager to learn, and passionate about using technology for positive change.

You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship with structured learning, mentoring, and opportunities to develop both your technical and professional skills.

What You’ll Be Doing

With guidance and support, you will:

• Assist with the development and support of applications and automation solutions using tools such as Power Automate, Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, and Azure AI.
• Help test, maintain, and improve digital solutions to ensure they are reliable, secure, and easy to use.
• Support colleagues across the council by helping to understand requirements and translate them into effective digital solutions.
• Assist with troubleshooting issues and resolving technical problems under supervision.
• Contribute to documentation, guidance, and business cases for new automation and AI initiatives.
• Learn and apply best practice in data protection, security, and ethical use of technology.
• Take part in training activities and help share knowledge to build digital confidence across teams.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to deliver meaningful improvements.

About You

This role is designed for someone at the start of their digital career. You don’t need to know everything already – we’re looking for potential, attitude, and enthusiasm. You’ll be:

• Interested in technology, digital tools, and how they can improve services.
• Willing to learn new skills and apply them in real‑world situations.
• Comfortable communicating with a range of people, including explaining technical ideas in plain English.
• Organised, curious, and able to manage study alongside work.
• A team player who is open to feedback and keen to develop professionally.
• Motivated by making a positive impact for residents, communities, and colleagues.

Why Join Us?

At Barnsley Council, you’ll be part of a supportive and innovative environment where learning is encouraged and your contribution matters. As a Degree Apprentice in the AI & Automation Team, you’ll:

• Earn while you learn, gaining a recognised degree alongside practical experience.
• Work on real projects that improve how public services operate.
• Be supported by experienced professionals who value creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop future‑ready skills in AI, automation, and digital transformation within a public sector context.

If you’re excited about technology, keen to learn, and want to help shape the future of public services in Barnsley, this apprenticeship is a great place to start.