A few years ago, most people hadn’t interacted with artificial intelligence, or even realised it was already part of their daily lives. Fast forward to today, and AI is everywhere, from the smart tech on your phone to the tools businesses use to make better decisions. It’s becoming the new normal across industries, and that’s creating huge demand for people with AI skills. If you’ve been wondering how to start a career in AI in the UK, the good news is that it’s more achievable than ever. You don’t need a degree or years of experience just the right foundation, a bit of practical support, and a beginner-friendly course like Microsoft’s AI Fundamentals.
What Kinds of AI Jobs Are Out There?
There’s a wide range of AI career paths available right now. Many roles focus on helping businesses understand their data, automating repetitive tasks, or using tools like Microsoft Azure AI to solve real-world problems. Demand is growing fast, and companies across retail, healthcare, finance, and marketing are actively hiring. They’re looking for people who understand how AI works and how to use it properly, skills you can learn, even without a coding background.
AI Salaries in the UK (2025)
Let’s talk about money, because AI careers in the UK offer strong starting salaries and great progression. Here’s what you can expect:
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Starting out (Junior Analyst, Support roles): £28,000–£35,000
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Mid-level (AI Engineer, Machine Learning Specialist): £45,000–£65,000
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Senior roles (Data Scientist, AI Consultant): £70,000–£90,000+
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Leadership (Head of AI, Director): £100,000+
How Long Does It Take to Start a Career in AI?
If you’re starting with no experience, it’s more doable than you think. Here’s a realistic timeline:
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Months 1–6: Start with a beginner course like the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) certification. You’ll learn core AI concepts, explore real-life applications, and understand how Microsoft Azure powers AI across businesses. No coding needed—just curiosity.
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Months 6–12: Begin applying what you’ve learned. That could be working on personal projects, volunteering your skills, or moving into a junior role that uses AI tools.
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Year 2–3: You could be working as a Junior Analyst, Cloud Support Engineer, or Data Technician. You’ll be gaining confidence, improving your technical skills, and building a portfolio.
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Year 3–5: With experience behind you, you’ll be ready for more specialist or senior roles—where the impact (and the pay) really starts to scale.
Why Start with Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals?
Because it’s practical, beginner-friendly, and trusted by employers. The course teaches you real skills like natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics, all without throwing you into complex code. It’s a smart starting point if you’re looking to work in data, cloud computing, or simply want to understand where tech is heading. At NewTo, we guide you through it all in a way that actually makes sense—so you don’t feel overwhelmed, just supported.
Ready to Start Your AI Career?
AI is changing how we live and work—and there’s never been a better time to get started. Whether you’re switching careers or starting fresh, this is one of the most exciting (and future-proof) paths you can take. Check out our Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals course here.
