AI apprenticeship units (2026)
AI apprenticeship units are short, funded units for people already in work in England. Skills England approved 3 AI leadership units at Level 5, each with maximum funding of £750.
- AI units
- 3
- Where
- England
- Cost
- An employed role; training is paid by the employer and government (see who pays)
The rules say: "Units are for employed learners aged 19 and over, where their employer has identified that they need to upskill quickly to respond to emerging skills gaps and to support business growth and productivity."
Which AI apprenticeship units are there?
| Unit | Level | Hours | Maximum funding | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI leadership – AI strategy and opportunityAU0009. Approved for delivery | 5 | Not stated | £750 | 11 Oct 2026 |
| AI leadership – AI adoption, procurement and governanceAU0010. Approved for delivery | 5 | Not stated | £750 | 11 Oct 2026 |
| AI leadership – AI delivery and organisational transformationAU0011. Approved for delivery | 5 | Not stated | £750 | 11 Oct 2026 |
Questions people ask
Are AI apprenticeship units free?
For employers who don't pay the levy, yes, up to the funding rate. The funding rules say: "For employers who do not pay the levy, the government will fund all of the apprenticeship unit training and assessment costs based on the funding rate (as stated on the apprenticeship unit)."
Which AI apprenticeship units are there?
AI leadership – AI strategy and opportunity (AU0009), AI leadership – AI adoption, procurement and governance (AU0010) and AI leadership – AI delivery and organisational transformation (AU0011).
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