AI leadership – AI strategy and opportunity - Apprenticeship unit

This apprenticeship unit is designed for individuals in leadership roles who are responsible for setting direction, governance and oversight for Artificial Intelligence (AI) within their organisation. It is particularly suitable for organisations that are at the early stages of exploring AI adoption and want to identify practical opportunities while understanding associated risks and responsibilities. 

The broad purpose of this unit is to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills required to develop an AI strategy, evaluate opportunities for AI-driven improvement, assess organisational readiness and support responsible AI adoption. 

• Delegates must be employed and aged 19 or over. 
• Employers must identify a need for the delegate to develop AI leadership capability within their role. 
• This unit is intended for individuals with leadership, management or strategic decision-making responsibilities. 

Professional Learning & Workplace Application

Delegates develop the knowledge and skills to lead AI adoption within their organisation, including understanding AI capabilities and risks, developing AI strategies, assessing opportunities and business cases, implementing responsible and ethical AI practices, managing governance and risk, evaluating organisational readiness, and engaging stakeholders to support successful AI initiatives.

This unit helps leaders make informed decisions about where AI can create genuine value, balancing productivity gains with organisational feasibility, risk and long-term sustainability. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the role of organisational leadership in setting AI policy and strategy.
• Evaluate opportunities for AI-driven improvement and innovation.
• Define, document and communicate an AI strategy aligned to organisational goals and values.
• Assess the viability, impact and risks of AI use cases and pilot projects.
• Make evidence-based decisions regarding AI investment and adoption. 

Assessment is designed to demonstrate the delegate’s ability to apply AI transformation and change management principles in a real or realistic organisational context.

The assessment consists of:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Scenario-based questions that assess the delegate’s understanding of AI implementation, organisational readiness, change management, risk management, stakeholder engagement, compliance and benefits realisation.

• AI Transformation Delivery Paper: A board-level strategic report developed throughout the programme, with staged submissions each week.

• Level: 5
• Maximum Funding: £750 (fully funded by the government or the apprenticeship levy)

The programme is designed to help organisations rapidly develop AI leadership capability and can be delivered flexibly around business requirements. 

For further information, please contact the Employer Partnerships Team on 01743 653 444.