The AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy apprenticeship unit is a Level 5 apprenticeship unit designed to build the capability of leaders who are responsible for setting direction, governance and oversight for AI and automation within their organisation.

The unit focuses on strategic leadership rather than technical delivery, helping learners understand how to define AI priorities, make informed investment decisions, manage risk and governance, and lead responsible AI‑enabled organisational change.

No.
This unit is not a technical or coding programme.

Learners do not need hands‑on experience building AI systems. Instead, the unit is designed for leaders who:

• Influence or approve AI‑related decisions
• Sponsor or oversee AI initiatives
• Need confidence in AI strategy, governance, ethics and risk

A general familiarity with digital systems, data or organisational change is helpful, but training starts with leadership‑level AI literacy and builds from there.

You will learn how to:

• Define and communicate an organisation‑wide AI strategy
• Identify and prioritise appropriate AI use cases
• Make evidence‑based AI investment and procurement decisions
• Apply ethical, legal and governance principles to AI adoption
• Manage enterprise risk, audit readiness and incident response
• Lead AI‑enabled organisational and workforce change
• Maintain awareness of emerging AI technologies and regulation

All learning is applied directly to your own organisational context.

The unit is delivered through:

• Facilitated leadership workshops
• Guided application to your organisation
• Structured reflection and portfolio development

Delivery is remote, allowing you to apply learning alongside your existing role.

Assessment is through a provider‑led skills test, which includes:

A portfolio of applied organisational artefacts, such as:

• An AI strategy and prioritised use cases

• An AI investment or procurement case

• A governance, risk and assurance framework
• A delivery and workforce impact plan

 

A professional discussion to confirm leadership judgement, decision‑making and application

 

There is no exam.

There is no cost to the learner.

The unit is funded through:

• The Apprenticeship Levy (for levy‑paying employers), or
• Government co‑investment (95% government funded for non‑levy employers) - TBC

The unit is designed for short, intensive delivery, exact duration TBC

You remain in your role throughout and apply learning directly to live organisational priorities.

Yes. Throughout the unit you will receive support from:

• An experienced tutor
• Clear guidance on portfolio development and assessment
• Ongoing support through to completion

Your employer will also provide a workplace sponsor or mentor to support application of learning.

 

On completion, you will be better equipped to:

• Lead AI strategy and governance within your organisation
• Sponsor AI initiatives with confidence and credibility
• Reduce ethical, regulatory and reputational risk
• Support sustainable, responsible AI adoption

The unit also supports progression to Level 6 digital or data apprenticeships, or further executive‑level AI development.