What Are Apprenticeship Units? The Complete Employer Guide

What Is an Apprenticeship Unit?

An apprenticeship unit is a short, government-funded training module that teaches practical skills in a single, focused area. Think of it as a concentrated sprint rather than a marathon. Introduced by Skills England in April 2026, units are designed to fill the gap between full apprenticeships (which take 12-48 months) and short courses (which often lack formal accreditation).

Here's what makes a unit different:

• Short duration: 30 to 140 hours, not 12-48 months
• Focused scope: single skill or area, not a whole occupation
• No EPA: no end-point assessment required
• Government-funded: free for SMEs, draws from Skills Levy for larger employers
• Accredited: awarded a unit certificate upon completion
• Stackable: you can complete multiple units to build a broader pathway

They're ideal for employers who need to upskill staff quickly in a specific area without committing to an 18-month apprenticeship standard. A manufacturing supervisor might take the Plumbing and Heating unit to understand supply chain. A senior leader might stack three AI Leadership units to build strategic capability. A care home might send staff through the Early Years unit to refresh knowledge in a specific area.

How Are They Different from Full Apprenticeships?

In practice, units suit employers who need targeted upskilling quickly. Apprenticeships suit employers building career pathways and occupational expertise over time. Many employers use both, running units to plug skills gaps while employees progress through longer apprenticeships.

Who Can Do Apprenticeship Units?

You're eligible if you meet these criteria:

Example: A warehouse operations manager (19+, employed, new to AI strategy) is eligible for the AI Strategy & Opportunity unit. A freelance consultant (self-employed) is not. A finance director who's been managing data for 20 years is unlikely to be eligible for an AI unit aimed at new learners, but could be eligible if they're genuinely new to that specific domain.

How Are They Funded?

For SMEs (payroll under £3m): 100% government-funded. You pay absolutely nothing. The DfE reimburses the training provider directly.

For larger levy-paying employers: Funded via the Growth and Skills Levy. Your company pays 0.5% of payroll into the levy pot. Training providers draw from your account to cover unit delivery. If you exhaust your levy balance, you can co-fund additional units.

Payment structure: Providers typically receive 30% on enrolment and 70% on completion, creating accountability for learner outcomes.

What Units Are Available?

The DfE released 10 first-wave apprenticeship units in April 2026. Here's the full list with funding, duration, and status:

Important note: AU0002 (the original AI Leadership unit) was withdrawn in April 2026 and replaced by three separate units, AU0009, AU0010, and AU0011. This split allows organisations to select units that match their specific needs rather than committing to a full 100-hour module. See our detailed post on the AU0002 split for background on the change.

The AI Apprenticeship Units: A Closer Look

Three of the 10 first-wave units focus on AI for non-technical leaders and managers. These are the units with the highest take-up from employers building AI capability across their organisations.

AU0009: AI Strategy & Opportunity (30 hours, £750) teaches leaders to identify where AI creates real business value. You'll learn to spot opportunities, assess feasibility, and pitch AI initiatives to senior management with confidence.

AU0010: AI Governance & Procurement (30 hours, £750) covers the practical side: selecting vendors, setting governance frameworks, managing risk, and ensuring ethical use. Essential for organisations rolling out AI tools across teams.

AU0011: AI Transformation (30 hours, £750) focuses on change management, upskilling teams, and embedding AI into operations. You'll learn to lead teams through the transition without losing productivity.

Many employers stack all three units to build a comprehensive leadership capability. Others select the one that matches their immediate priority. For more detail, see our guide to the three new AI units and the official Skills England pages for AU0009, AU0010, and AU0011.

How TESS Group Delivers Apprenticeship Units

TESS Group is a registered apprenticeship provider delivering all three AI Leadership units (AU0009, AU0010, AU0011) as the TESS AI Leadership Pathway. The units are delivered live, virtual, and expert-led by our team of AI strategists and change leaders.

Unlike pre-recorded courses, every session is interactive. Your learners ask questions, work through real scenarios, and build practical skills they can apply immediately. You can enrol individuals in single units or stack all three for a comprehensive pathway.

For full details on delivery, entry requirements, and how to enrol, see our AI Leadership Apprenticeship Unit landing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are apprenticeship units the same as apprenticeships?

No. Apprenticeship units are short, focused training modules (30-140 hours) on a single skill. Full apprenticeships are longer (12-48 months) and cover a whole occupation. Units have no end-point assessment, apprenticeships do. Both are government-funded, but units are faster and narrower in scope.

How long do apprenticeship units take?

Typically 4 to 20 weeks of part-time study, depending on the unit. Most range from 30 to 140 hours. Learners study alongside their job, usually one to two days per week. You can complete a unit in as little as a month with concentrated effort.

Are apprenticeship units free for SMEs?

Yes. If you pay the Growth and Skills Levy or are a small employer (payroll under £3m), apprenticeship units are 100% government-funded. You pay nothing. Larger levy-paying companies draw from their levy account. All funding goes direct to the training provider.

Can I do more than one unit?

Yes, absolutely. Many employers enrol the same employee in multiple units to build broader skills. You could do an AI Strategy unit, then add AI Governance, then AI Transformation. Learners stack units to create a tailored development pathway.

What qualifications do you get from an apprenticeship unit?

A unit certificate confirming completion and competency in that specific area. The three AI Leadership units, for example, each award a certificate in AI Strategy & Opportunity, AI Governance & Procurement, and AI Transformation respectively. These are recognised nationally and sit on CVs and LinkedIn profiles.

Who delivers apprenticeship units?

Registered apprenticeship providers, training companies, and universities. The DfE (Department for Education) approves providers and units. TESS Group delivers the three AI Leadership units as part of the TESS AI Leadership Pathway, with expert-led virtual sessions and live workshops.

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