The ML Engineer gathers data from different sources to design, build, deploy and validate machine learning and or artificial intelligence solutions.
This occupation is found in a wide range of public and private sector organisations who increasingly work with machine learning (ML) systems and AI automation that can serve all industries and sectors such as agriculture, environmental and animal care, business and administration, care services, catering and hospitality, construction and the built environment, creative & design, digital, education, engineering & manufacturing, health and science, legal, finance and accounting, protective services, sales, marketing and procurement, transport and logistics.
ML Engineers gather data from different sources to design, build, deploy and validate machine learning and or artificial intelligence solutions. They ensure that data is sourced responsibly and analysed to a high standard, aligning the use of ML solutions with the organisations business goals. They build ML models in an innovative, safe and sustainable way, selecting features that will help the model learn effectively by using the right algorithm for the task. Once the ML model is trained, they evaluate its performance and deploy it into the live environment. They streamline the process of taking ML models into production, and then maintain and monitor them. Continuous monitoring is essential to maintain the ML models accuracy. They manage the lifecycle of ML systems & models from initial deployment, to testing and updating of the next iteration, using industry best practice and frameworks to ensure fast, simple and reliable ML pipelines. They would identify as AI professionals, conversant in operating in settings of technical complexity and uncertainty. They can interface effectively across the organisation to communicate the correctness of their engineered technical solutions.
A ML engineer will work with a variety of professionals who work together to facilitate the successful development, deployment and adoption of ML systems and models, working with minimal supervision, ensuring they are meeting deadlines and interacting with Data Scientists for analytical guidance, Data Engineers for data preparation, Software Engineers for integration, Product Managers for product strategy, QA Engineers for testing, DevOps Engineers for deployment, UI/UX Designers for user interface design, Business Analysts for requirement analysis and stakeholders or clients for feedback and updates. They typically report to either the Senior ML Operations Engineer, Product Manager ML, AI Specialist, AI Engineering Manager or Client.
A ML engineer will provide clear technical support communicating complex information to stakeholders and across the organisation inputting into systems documentation, with details around risks and potential mitigation actions in line with the correct organisational standards. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with health and safety and environmental considerations. They will work according to organisational procedures and policies, to maintain security and compliance and be responsible for ensuring compliance with data governance, ethics, environmental, sustainability and security policies.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 5000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 8 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 50 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 18/12/2024 | Not set |
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