AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units
Three new 30-hour Level 5 programmes for employers who need leadership capability in AI strategy, governance, procurement and organisational transformation.
A shorter, flexible route to upskill leadership teams through the Growth and Skills Levy — without the commitment of a full apprenticeship.
At a glance
Units Available
3 AI Leadership units (AU0009, AU0010, AU0011)
Level & Duration
Level 5 · 30 hours each
Funding
Levy-funded from April 2026
Assessment
Provider-assessed, employer-validated
What are AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units?
Apprenticeship units are a new type of government-funded training introduced in 2026. They are short, focused programmes designed to help employers upskill their workforce quickly in areas of critical skills need — without the time commitment of a full 12-month apprenticeship.
The three AI Leadership units cover the decisions and responsibilities that matter when organisations adopt AI: setting strategy, choosing the right tools and suppliers, governing AI responsibly, managing risk, and leading change across the organisation.
Each unit is 30 hours at Level 5, and employers can enrol learners on one, two or all three units depending on the capability gaps they need to address.
Who are these units for?
These units are aimed at people in, or aspiring to, leadership roles who are responsible for direction, governance and oversight of AI use. They are especially relevant for managers, transformation leads, digital leaders, operational heads and decision-makers who need to guide AI adoption practically and confidently.
To take these units, learners must be employed, aged 19 or over, and working in, or aiming for, a leadership position with the autonomy to deliver technological change and inform investment decisions.
The 3 AI Leadership Units
Each unit focuses on a distinct area of AI leadership capability. Choose the units that match your organisation's priorities, or take all three for comprehensive coverage.
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.
- AI literacy and landscape awareness
- Identifying AI opportunities and use cases
- Organisational readiness and strategy development
- Risk assessment and investment planning
AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance
Build the leadership capability to evaluate AI solutions properly, make better procurement decisions, and put the governance, assurance and ethical frameworks in place.
- AI vendor evaluation and supplier management
- Procurement processes and investment decisions
- Governance frameworks and responsible AI
- Ethics, legal compliance and assurance
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, audit and compliance structures in place.
- Leading AI-enabled organisational change
- Workforce transformation and adaptation
- Operational risk management and monitoring
- Audit readiness and compliance frameworks
Why this matters for employers now
AI is no longer only a technical issue. Employers need leaders who can make sound decisions about where AI fits, how it is governed, what risks it creates, and how teams adapt to it well. These three units are designed to build that capability in a shorter, employer-focused format.
The timing matters too. The Growth and Skills Levy changes mean employers can use levy funds for apprenticeship units from April 2026, and from 1 August 2026 new levy funds will expire after 12 months, while the 10% government top-up stops and co-investment rises to 25% once levy funds are exhausted. Acting now means making the most of the current funding window.
Funding and the Growth and Skills Levy
All three AI Leadership units are listed as eligible for public funding. Levy funds can be used for apprenticeship units from April 2026.
For levy-paying employers, apprenticeship units create a new way to use levy funds for shorter, targeted training. For employers whose levy funds run out, co-investment remains 5% up to 31 July 2026 and rises to 25% from 1 August 2026.
Delivery and assessment
Each unit is 30 delivery hours, designed to be flexible and fit around employer schedules. They are well suited to organisations who need focused, shorter-form development for their leadership teams.
Assessment is simple and employer-relevant. The minimum requirement is a skills test delivered by the training provider, with the outcome validated by the employer. There is no End-Point Assessment.
Solveway delivers all 3 AI Leadership units
Delivery of apprenticeship units is beginning with a targeted group of existing providers that already show strong performance in relevant standards. Solveway has been invited to deliver all three AI Leadership apprenticeship units, giving employers a single provider with relevant experience across the full range of AI leadership capability.
Why choose Solveway?
Solveway helps employers turn emerging skills reform into practical workforce development. As one of the first providers trusted to deliver all three AI Leadership units, we bring a proven track record in digital and business apprenticeships to your AI adoption journey.
For organisations looking to integrate AI, that means supporting your leaders to make better decisions, manage change confidently, and build capability that delivers measurable value in the real workplace.
By registering your interest now with an experienced provider, you can start identifying suitable learners and planning internally to make the absolute most of this high-impact funding route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solveway delivers three AI Leadership apprenticeship units: AI Strategy and Opportunity (AU0009), AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance (AU0010), and AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation (AU0011). Each is a 30-hour Level 5 programme.
Learners must be employed, aged 19 or over, and in, or aspiring to, a leadership role with the autonomy to deliver technological change and inform investment decisions.
Each unit is 30 delivery hours, typically completed over a few weeks depending on employer scheduling requirements.
All three units are eligible for public funding. From April 2026, levy funds can be used for apprenticeship units. For employers whose levy funds run out, co-investment remains 5% up to 31 July 2026 and rises to 25% from 1 August 2026.
The minimum assessment is a provider-delivered skills test, with the result validated by the employer. Employers or learners can also choose independent external assessment where appropriate.
Yes. Employers can enrol learners on one, two or all three units depending on the capability gaps they need to address. The units are designed to be complementary but can be taken independently.
No. Apprenticeship units are short, flexible training programmes designed to help employers upskill their workforce quickly in areas of critical need. They do not require an End-Point Assessment.
AU0002 (AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy) was the original pilot unit. It has been withdrawn by Skills England and replaced by three more focused units: AU0009, AU0010 and AU0011, which together cover the same ground in greater depth and specificity.
Ready to build your AI leadership capability?
Three focused units covering AI strategy, governance, procurement and transformation — fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy.