Level 5 AI Leadership

What You’ll Learn

We are pleased to introduce a suite of Level 5 AI Leadership apprenticeship units, designed to support organisations in developing the skills and capabilities needed to lead effective and responsible AI adoption. These units are fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and offer a flexible approach to learning. Employers can enrol learners on one, two, or all three units, depending on role requirements and organisational priorities.

Learner Journey

Flexible delivery models are available. Typically, each unit is delivered 1 day per week over 5 weeks or through an intensive one-week programme comprising 30 hours of learning, followed by a short assessment. We also offer closed, bespoke cohorts with flexible delivery options tailored to your organisation’s specific needs, schedules, and strategic objectives. Courses run throughout the year, with start dates agreed at the point of enrolment.

Unit 1: Strategy and Opportunity

This unit focuses on helping leaders identify where AI can deliver the greatest value and how to align initiatives with organisational goals.

Learners will develop the ability to:

• Set a clear AI vision and strategy aligned to business objectives and values
• Identify opportunities for innovation and growth using data and evidence
• Build robust business cases, considering risk, workforce impact, and sustainability
• Evaluate feasibility through use cases, pilots, and horizon scanning of emerging technologies

Benefits to employers:

• Clear, actionable AI strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Improved decision-making on where to invest in AI
• Greater stakeholder buy-in and confidence in AI initiatives
• Reduced risk through informed planning and evaluation

Unit 2: Strategy and Opportunity

This unit equips leaders with the skills to responsibly adopt AI, select the right solutions, and implement strong governance frameworks.

Learners will develop the ability to:

• Evaluate and procure AI solutions based on cost, performance, risk, and data readiness
• Assess risks including vendor lock-in, data security, IP, and sustainability
• Design and implement governance frameworks and compliance processes
• Embed ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations into AI decision-making
• Apply human oversight and assurance practices to AI systems

Benefits to employers:

• More informed procurement decisions and better return on investment
• Reduced legal, ethical, and reputational risk
• Strong governance ensuring safe, compliant AI adoption
• Increased trust from stakeholders, customers, and regulators

Unit 3: Strategy and Opportunity

This unit focuses on successfully implementing AI and leading organisation-wide transformation.

Learners will develop the ability to:

• Lead AI-enabled organisational change and transformation programmes
• Manage workforce impacts, including reskilling and role redesign
• Implement risk management, monitoring, and compliance processes
• Ensure ongoing performance through monitoring of bias, drift, and system risks
• Communicate AI opportunities and risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Benefits to employers:

• Successful and sustainable AI implementation
• Improved workforce readiness and engagement
• Stronger risk management and operational resilience
• Realisation of measurable productivity and transformation benefits