AI Apprenticeships
AI apprenticeships are government funded training programmes that teach employees to implement artificial intelligence, automate workflows, and lead AI adoption across their organisation. Solveway delivers both full apprenticeship programmes (12 to 15 months) and the new 30 hour apprenticeship units, shorter, focused courses designed to build AI leadership capability fast. Every programme is paid for through the Growth and Skills Levy or government co-investment, and the learner never pays: apprentices aged 16 to 24 are fully funded, and for those aged 25 or over the government pays 95% of the cost for employers who do not pay the levy.
Compare AI programmes
Every programme below is paid for through the levy or government co-investment. Pick by level and format, then read the full page.
| Programme | Level | Format | Duration | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI & Digital Applications Technician | Level 3 | Full apprenticeship | 12 Months | View the Level 3 AI & Digital Applications Technician apprenticeship |
| AI & Automation Specialist | Level 4 | Full apprenticeship | 12 Months | View the Level 4 AI & Automation Specialist apprenticeship |
| AI leadership: AI adoption, procurement and governance | Level 5 | 30 hour apprenticeship unit | 30 hours | View the Level 5 AI leadership: AI adoption, procurement and governance unit |
| AI leadership: AI delivery and organisational transformation | Level 5 | 30 hour apprenticeship unit | 30 hours | View the Level 5 AI leadership: AI delivery and organisational transformation unit |
| AI leadership: AI strategy and opportunity | Level 5 | 30 hour apprenticeship unit | 30 hours | View the Level 5 AI leadership: AI strategy and opportunity unit |
What is an AI Apprenticeship?
An AI apprenticeship is a structured training programme combining work-based learning with technical instruction. Full programmes typically last 12 to 15 months and lead to nationally recognised vocational qualifications.
Alongside full apprenticeships, the government has released a new type of training called apprenticeship units. These are short, focused programmes (generally 30 to 140 hours) designed to upskill employees in a specific area — such as AI strategy, governance, procurement, or organisational transformation — without the time commitment of a full apprenticeship. Solveway's AI Leadership units are 30 hours each.
Both routes are designed for employed learners who want to develop practical AI skills and apply them directly to real-world business challenges within their organisation.
Why AI Skills Matter for Businesses
AI skills are critical for modern businesses seeking to improve productivity and automate repetitive tasks. But successful AI adoption also requires leaders who can set strategy, manage risk, and govern AI use responsibly.
By building internal AI capability at both the technical and leadership level, companies can drive continuous improvement, adopt emerging technologies securely, and make better decisions about where AI creates the most value.
Automate Repetitive Tasks
Reduce manual processing time by implementing AI-driven workflow automation across your organisation's operations.
Govern AI Responsibly
Build leadership capability in AI governance, risk management, and responsible procurement of AI tools and suppliers.
Lead AI Transformation
Upskill leaders to shape AI strategy, manage organisational change, and deliver measurable business outcomes from AI adoption.
Available AI Programmes
Choose from our full apprenticeship programmes or the new 30 hour apprenticeship units, both paid for through the Growth and Skills Levy or government co-investment.
Full Apprenticeship Programmes
12–15 months
AI & Digital Applications Technician
Build practical AI, digital productivity and workplace support skills through a government-funded Level 3 apprenticeship designed for modern digital roles. Learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot safely and effectively, while developing the communication, security and digital application skills employers need.
AI & Automation Specialist
Master business process analysis and responsible AI deployment with the government-funded Level 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner (ST1512). This programme equips you to automate workflows and drive innovation, qualifying you for roles like AI Strategy Lead and Automation Specialist.
Apprenticeship Units
New30 hours eachApprenticeship units are a new type of government-funded training — short, focused programmes (generally 30 to 140 hours; Solveway's AI Leadership units are 30 hours each) designed to build specific AI leadership skills. Fully funded for non-levy employers; levy payers use levy funds from April 2026.
AI leadership: AI adoption, procurement and governance
Build the leadership capability to evaluate AI solutions properly, make better procurement decisions, and put the governance, assurance and oversight in place for responsible adoption.
AI leadership: AI delivery and organisational transformation
Build the leadership capability to deliver AI-enabled organisational change well, manage workforce and operational impacts, and put the right risk, compliance and monitoring controls in place.
AI leadership: AI strategy and opportunity
Build the leadership capability to spot where AI can create value, shape a clear organisational strategy, and make better decisions about readiness, risk and investment.
Trusted by leading employers
What Skills Apprentices Learn
- Workflow automation and process mapping
- Large language models (LLMs) and safe implementation
- Advanced prompt engineering
- APIs, webhooks, and system integrations
- AI strategy, opportunity identification, and readiness assessment
- AI procurement, investment decisions, and supplier evaluation
- AI governance, ethics, and responsible use frameworks
- Leading AI-enabled organisational change and workforce transformation
- Data ethics, enterprise risk, and audit readiness
Who These Apprenticeships Are For
For Employers
These programmes suit employers at any stage of AI adoption — from those building specialist technical teams to those who need leadership confidence in AI strategy, governance, and procurement.
The new apprenticeship units (Solveway's AI Leadership units are 30 hours each) are designed for leaders and decision-makers who need focused, practical capability without the commitment of a full 12-month programme.
For Learners
AI apprenticeships and units are suitable for current employees, career changers, and professionals moving into specialist AI roles or leadership positions that shape AI adoption.
Typical career outcomes include AI Implementation Specialist, Automation Developer, AI Product Owner, Digital Transformation Lead, or senior leaders responsible for AI strategy and governance.
Funding and Duration
Employers: read our apprenticeship funding and levy guidance for employers for the rules by employer type and apprentice age, and Growth and Skills Levy 2026: what changed for employers. Age rules are covered in apprenticeship age limits for UK employers and our guide for adults: can you do an apprenticeship at 30, 40 or 50?
- Training costs are funded through the Growth and Skills Levy for larger employers.
- If you don't pay the levy, training for apprentices aged 16 to 24 is fully funded. For apprentices aged 25 or over, the government pays 95% and you pay 5% (up to the funding band maximum).
- There is no training cost for the learner.
- Full programmes typically last 12 to 15 months. Apprenticeship units are generally 30 to 140 hours; Solveway's AI Leadership units are 30 hours each and offer a shorter route to specific AI leadership skills.
- Apprenticeship units have been available to employers since April 2026. If you don't pay the levy, units are fully funded. If you pay the levy, they come out of your levy funds; if those run out, they're fully funded for learners aged 19 to 24, and the government pays 75% for learners aged 25 or over.
Explore Further
AI Apprenticeships for Employers
Discover how our full AI apprenticeship programme can build specialist capability and automate your business processes.
AI Transformation Practical Guide
Read our comprehensive guide for employers on identifying automation opportunities and building internal AI capability.
AI Strategy and Opportunity (AU0009)
A 30-hour apprenticeship unit helping leaders identify where AI creates value and shape a clear organisational strategy.
AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance (AU0010)
Build the leadership capability to evaluate AI solutions, make better procurement decisions, and put governance in place.
AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation (AU0011)
Develop capability to deliver AI-enabled organisational change, manage workforce impacts, and implement risk frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solveway delivers AI apprenticeships at Level 3 (AI and Digital Applications Technician) and Level 4 (AI and Automation Specialist), plus three Level 5 AI leadership units of 30 hours each, providing foundational through to advanced strategic skills.
Apprenticeship units are a new type of government-funded training introduced in 2026. They are short, focused programmes (generally 30 to 140 hours) designed to build specific skills quickly. Solveway's AI Leadership units are 30 hours each. Unlike full apprenticeships, they do not require an End-Point Assessment and can be completed in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Full apprenticeships last 12–15 months and cover a broad standard. Apprenticeship units are shorter programmes focused on a single skill area — such as AI strategy, governance, or procurement — generally lasting 30 to 140 hours (Solveway's AI Leadership units are 30 hours each). Both are government-funded, but units offer a faster, more flexible route to specific capability.
Full apprenticeships are funded through the Growth and Skills Levy for eligible employers. If you don't pay the levy, apprentices aged 16 to 24 are fully funded, and for those aged 25 or over the government pays 95% and you pay 5%. Units are fully funded for non-levy employers; levy payers use levy funds, and if those run out units are fully funded for learners aged 19 to 24, with the government paying 75% for learners aged 25 or over. From April 2026, levy funds can be used for apprenticeship units.
No prior professional AI experience is required for the full apprenticeship. The Level 5 leadership units are aimed at employed learners aged 19+ in, or aspiring to, leadership roles.
Full apprenticeship learners achieve a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate validated through an independent End-Point Assessment (EPA). Unit learners receive a provider-assessed completion, validated by their employer.
Yes. Both apprenticeships and units are available to existing employees, not just new recruits. The programme must teach substantially new knowledge relevant to the learner's role.
Solveway currently delivers three AI Leadership units: AI Strategy and Opportunity (AU0009), AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance (AU0010), and AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation (AU0011). Each is 30 hours at Level 5.
Speak to our team about AI apprenticeships
Whether you are looking to upskill your workforce or start a new career in AI, our specialist team is ready to help.