AI leadership – Developing AI strategy
Level 5 Apprenticeship Unit
Funding band: TBC
Duration: TBC
Delivery Style: 1:1 In person and online, Live virtual classrooms, 247 on demand learning resources
The employer is responsible for covering this cost. SMEs may be eligible for up to 100% funding. For Levy employers, additional information is available here. Apprentices are not required to contribute toward these expenses.
Searching for an AI leadership programme that delivers real strategic impact?
This Level 5 apprenticeship unit equips current and aspiring leaders with the strategic, ethical and operational capabilities required to guide an organisation’s adoption of artificial intelligence. Learners develop the confidence to set AI direction, make informed investment decisions, oversee governance, and lead responsible AI-enabled change.
Important: Apprenticeship Units were introduced by the UK Government in April 2026. At the time this page was published, the funding band and final duration for this unit had not yet been confirmed and may be subject to change
This Apprenticeship Unit is ideal for professionals who:
– Hold or aspire to be in leadership roles
– Need to understand AI opportunities, risks, and organisational impact
Learners must be 19+, employed, and supported by their employer to apply learning in the workplace.
By the end of this Apprenticeship Unit, you will be able to:
AI Strategy & Organisational Direction
- Define and communicate an organisation‑wide AI strategy
- Align AI priorities with business goals, values, and risk appetite
- Identify viable use cases and set delivery milestones
AI Procurement, Investment & Adoption
- Make evidence‑based procurement decisions
- Evaluate long‑term risks such as vendor lock‑in, resilience and data assurance
- Assess technical feasibility, cost, and organisational readiness
Governance, Ethics & Responsible AI
- Operate a governance framework for lawful, ethical AI use
- Embed accountability, transparency and assurance into decision‑making
- Apply recognised AI assurance and compliance frameworks
Enterprise Risk, Audit & Incident Readiness
- Oversee AI‑related risks within enterprise risk structures
- Ensure audit readiness and effective incident response
- Monitor AI systems for drift, bias, performance degradation and vulnerabilities
Leadership, Delivery & Organisational Change
- Lead cross‑functional teams delivering AI‑enabled change
- Balance innovation with practical implementation constraints
- Manage workforce impacts, including reskilling and redeployment
Communication, Trust & External Engagement
- Represent the organisation in external AI discussions
- Prepare for evolving AI regulation and embed compliance readiness
- Communicate AI opportunities and risks clearly to non‑technical audiences
Workforce Transformation & Capability Building
- Assess role impacts and plan workforce transformation
- Engage staff effectively during AI adoption
- Support targeted upskilling and reskilling initiatives
Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge – Learners will develop understanding of: AI and automation concepts for leadership decision-making, ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks for AI, AI strategy development and implementation, procurement, vendor evaluation and solution viability, governance, assurance and risk management, human oversight, responsible AI and sustainable deployment, emerging AI technologies and sector trends.
Skills – Learners will practise how to: Analyse organisational data to identify AI opportunities, set strategic direction and gain stakeholder support, commission viability assessments and risk evaluations, apply governance, ethics and regulatory principles, lead crisis response and risk mitigation, manage AI-enabled organisational change, communicate complex AI issues clearly and credibly.
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Assessment
Learners will undergo a final provider-led skills test demonstrating competence across the apprenticeship unit. Learners will receive an apprenticeship unit completion certificate.