Baltic Apprenticeships is among the first providers approved to deliver three fully funded AI Leadership apprenticeship units, as demand for AI skills continues to grow.
Organisations across almost every sector are moving beyond AI awareness into implementation. Yet while adoption is increasing, many struggle to scale, with only one in ten organisations successfully embedding AI operationally, often due to gaps in leadership understanding and strategic direction.
AI leadership apprenticeship units are designed to address this, supporting senior leaders to move beyond curiosity and enabling organisations to apply AI in a practical, structured way.
Approval for the initial rollout is limited to providers already delivering in these areas and demonstrating “strong performance” against national quality and accountability measures.
This builds on Baltic’s existing provision, including Outstanding Ofsted ratings and sector-leading achievement rates, as well as its experience delivering AI, data and digital skills that support real business change.
What are AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units?
AI leadership apprenticeship units are a new addition to the apprenticeship framework, designed to help organisations build AI capability in a more focused and flexible way.
They are short training courses drawn from existing apprenticeship standards, enabling employers to develop specific AI skills without committing to a full programme.
Originally proposed as a single unit, the new AI leadership units will now be delivered across three focused units, reflecting the range of skills required for effective AI adoption.
What Apprenticeship Units Will Baltic Deliver?
From August 2026, Baltic will deliver all three AI leadership apprenticeship units:
- AI Leadership: Strategy and Opportunity
- AI Leadership: AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance
- AI Leadership: AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation
Designed for managers and senior leaders who need to build targeted AI skills quickly, these units focus on developing practical capability in AI adoption, implementation, and organisational change.
The units are fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, meaning Levy-paying employers can use existing Levy funds, while non-Levy-paying organisations can access training at no cost.
“Most organisations are now beginning to experiment with AI in some form, but without clear understanding and direction at leadership level, there is a risk of an invisible ceiling on what can be achieved.
The introduction of AI Leadership units is a positive step forward, recognising both the demand for AI skills and the need for more accessible, flexible ways to develop them.
We’re pleased with the approach set out for these units, and proud to be among the providers approved to deliver them, particularly given the high standards required.”
– Tony Hobbs, CEO, Baltic Apprenticeships
What’s Next?
Programme development is already underway, with delivery set to begin in the coming months. Further information on access and enrolment will be shared ahead of our launch.
Explore how Baltic is already supporting employers to build AI capability across teams.