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 (12–15 months) and the new 30-hour apprenticeship units — shorter, focused courses designed to build AI leadership capability fast. All programmes are fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy or government co-investment, with zero cost to the learner.
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 30-hour programmes 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.
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 fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy.
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 30-hour programmes designed to build specific AI leadership skills. Available to employers from April 2026 using levy or co-investment funding.
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 30-hour apprenticeship units 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
- Training costs are funded through the Growth and Skills Levy for larger employers.
- Non-levy paying businesses can access 95% to 100% government funding via co-investment schemes.
- There is no training cost for the learner.
- Full programmes typically last 12 to 15 months. The new 30-hour apprenticeship units offer a shorter route to specific AI leadership skills.
- From April 2026, levy funds can be used for apprenticeship units for the first time.
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
Our AI apprenticeships are delivered at Level 4 (AI & Automation Specialist) and Level 5 (AI Leadership units), providing foundational through to advanced strategic skills.
Apprenticeship units are a new type of government-funded training introduced in 2026. They are short, focused 30-hour programmes designed to build specific skills quickly. 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 30-hour programmes focused on a single skill area — such as AI strategy, governance, or procurement. Both are government-funded, but units offer a faster, more flexible route to specific capability.
Both full apprenticeships and units are funded through the Growth and Skills Levy for eligible employers, or via government co-investment for smaller businesses. 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.