AI leadership – AI adoption, procurement and governance - Apprenticeship unit
Level 5 · HigherDigital
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This apprenticeship unit focuses on the governance, procurement, and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence tools within organisations, helping leaders make informed decisions about AI risk, policy, and oversight. Learners gain practical skills to evaluate AI products, develop internal AI governance frameworks, and ensure ethical and compliant use across the business. It is one of three units that make up the AI leadership suite and can be studied alongside the other units.
On the job
What you’ll learn
AI governance frameworks and accountability structures
Procurement evaluation criteria for AI products and vendors
Regulatory landscape including UK AI policy and data protection law
Risk assessment and ethical considerations in AI adoption
Developing internal AI use policies and acceptable use guidelines
Assurance and audit processes for AI systems in production
Stakeholder communication and change management for AI governance
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Evaluate AI tools and vendors against governance and risk criteria
Draft or review organisational AI policies and codes of practice
Conduct risk assessments on proposed AI deployments
Engage with legal and compliance teams on AI regulatory requirements
Monitor AI systems in use and report on performance and risk
Brief senior leaders on AI governance responsibilities and obligations
Contribute to procurement processes for AI products and platforms
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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