For employers

Apprenticeship units for rapid workforce upskilling

Build capability in weeks, not years. Apprenticeship units are short, funded training routes for employed learners aged 19 and over where the employer needs targeted skills quickly.

What are apprenticeship units?

Apprenticeship units are short, flexible training courses based on knowledge and skills from employer-led occupational standards. They are not full apprenticeships. They help employers respond to urgent skills gaps without waiting for a long programme cycle.

Rapid upskilling

Build capability in a focused area without committing staff to a full apprenticeship programme.

Employer-led relevance

Units are designed for employed learners where the employer has identified a clear skills need.

Funded training

Use public funding support for approved apprenticeship units, subject to eligibility and funding rules.

Practical validation

Learners complete a provider skills test, with the employer validating that the new skills have been achieved.

Units vs apprenticeships

Use units for speed, full apprenticeships for role development

Most organisations will use both: units for immediate leadership or technical skill gaps, and full apprenticeships to build deeper occupational capability over time.

Purpose
Targeted upskilling in one critical skill area
Full occupational competence for a job role
Typical length
1-16 weeks, with 30-140 delivery hours
Usually 12 months or more
Best for
Existing employees who need quick capability building
New or existing employees developing into a full role
Assessment
Provider skills test with employer validation
End-point assessment for the full standard

AI governance and risk

Prepare leaders to make safer AI decisions around policy, procurement, assurance, and oversight.

Existing staff development

Focus on employees already inside the organisation who need new skills to respond to emerging technology.

Clear business need

Match training to a defined employer need, from AI strategy through adoption, governance, and delivery.

Start with an AI readiness consultation

We can help you identify which unit fits your leadership team, current AI maturity, and skills priorities.