What Are AI Units, Who Are They for, and How Can You Secure a Place?

What Are AI Units banner image

Recent Government apprenticeship reforms marked a clear shift in direction: AI, automation, and digital skills are no longer optional. They are fundamental to the future of work. Alongside these reforms came the announcement of new AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units, designed to support the upskilling of business leaders, managers, and, where appropriate, full leadership teams.

Now that all the details have been released, there has been a lot of noise around these new units, making it difficult to understand how they can be used to help improve your business’s efficiency and productivity. This guide breaks it down simply: what are ai units, who they are designed for, and how you can secure a place on an upcoming cohort.

 

What Are the New AI Units?

Officially titled the AI Leadership Apprenticeship Unit, this is broken down into 3 separate units. Together, they provide a clear progression pathway, while also allowing flexibility for businesses or individuals looking to develop in one specific area. The 3 units are:

Each of these is designed to give business leaders the knowledge and skills to develop and implement a safe, sustainable and effective AI strategy. The focus is on practical leadership that will make businesses more efficient, more productive and future-proofed, as we see AI more and more in our daily lives.

To complete each unit, there are 30 hours of specialist guided learning, delivered through online or face-to-face sessions. This ensures unit assessments are passed, and what is learned is implemented. Maximising output from these units will be key to a business’s success.

 

Who Are the AI Units For?

All three units are designed for senior leaders and decision-makers. They do not need a technical or coding background. The role profiles include:

  • Managing Directors who need to set AI direction and make investment decisions
  • Department Heads and Operations Managers who need to integrate AI into their business areas
  • IT Directors and Managers who need to evaluate and procure AI tools, as well as understand policies, security and risk

For businesses looking to upskill a dedicated AI specialist, the AI & Automation Practitioner apprenticeship will develop the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to implement ongoing processes and plans to ensure your business is constantly evolving – increasing productivity, efficiency, and reducing costs.

 

How Can you Secure a Place?

Only a limited number of training providers have been approved to deliver these AI units, due to the high standards and requirements involved. Our high Quality Achievement Rate (QAR) has played a huge role in EMA being selected as one of the first-round providers to offer these units.

If you are interested in enrolling on one or more of the AI units, simply complete the form below. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and, where appropriate, begin the onboarding process ahead of upcoming cohort start dates in June, July, and August.

 

Why Choose EMA Training?

As a local training provider, we are proud of our partnerships with businesses and employers across the East Midlands. That partnership‑led approach extends to our delivery of the AI Units, ensuring a high‑quality experience with clear business impact.

We have partnered with Meesh Consulting, an AI specialist consultancy with over 20 years of experience in the field. Their team has developed a curriculum specifically aligned to these units and brings real‑world delivery and implementation expertise to every session.

The result is practical, relevant learning that supports leaders to build safer, more sustainable, and more effective AI strategies for their organisations.

 

Ready to start your AI leadership journey?

Get in touch using the form below, and we’d be happy to discuss how these AI units could support your business goals.

Posted by: EMA Marketing
Posted on: 12.05.2026
Posted in: Employer
Share this post:

The latest apprentice vacancies… posted direct to your inbox every fortnight.

EMA Training newlsetter pattern