The AI Leadership: AI Strategy & Opportunity Apprenticeship Unit (AU0009) is for employees in leadership roles responsible for setting direction, governance and oversight for AI use, who need upskilling in AI leadership literacy.

It's particularly relevant for those in organisations at an early or exploratory stage of AI adoption, where there's a need to build a foundational understanding and identify viable opportunities. 

 

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.

By completing this Apprenticeship Unit, you'll learn how to:

• Set AI policy and strategy. 
• Evaluate opportunities for AI-driven improvement using qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Define, document and communicate an AI strategy aligned to organisational goals, values and risk appetite.
• Assess viability and risk through AI use cases and pilots.
• Engage stakeholders to build support for AI strategy and adoption, including non-technical audiences.
• Critically evaluate and monitor.

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's no cost for learners for completing an Apprenticeship Unit.

The unit is funded through:

• The Growth & Skills Levy (for levy‑paying employers), or
• Government co‑investment (95% government funded for non‑levy employers).

The Apprenticeship Unit is designed for short, intensive delivery, with learning hours set at 30 hours (minimum).

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.