The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Associate AI Solutions Specialist (L1)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Core Python ML libraries (pandas, scikit-learn), basic SQL, understanding of ML fundamentals, clear documentation, asking good questions.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers assigned tasks accurately and on time.
- Can independently debug common issues in their code.
- Proactively seeks feedback and applies learnings.
- Demonstrates a solid grasp of basic ML concepts and can explain them.
- 2
Junior Machine Learning Engineer
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Building robust data pipelines, model deployment basics, understanding of MLOps concepts, strong Python coding skills, cloud ML platform experience.
You're ready to move on when
- Has successfully deployed several small-scale models to production or staging environments.
- Can write clean, modular, and testable Python code.
- Understands the importance of reproducibility and version control.
- Comfortable working with cloud infrastructure for ML.
- 3
Data Analyst with ML Exposure
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Advanced data manipulation and visualisation, statistical analysis, A/B testing, some experience with predictive modelling, strong business acumen.
You're ready to move on when
- Has moved beyond descriptive analytics to build predictive models that influence business decisions.
- Can clearly articulate business problems and translate them into analytical questions.
- Proficient in SQL and a statistical programming language like Python or R.
- Demonstrates a strong desire to transition fully into ML solution building.


