The government has introduced Apprenticeship Units, a new, flexible way for employers to access funded training through shorter, targeted programmes.

Designed to address critical skills gaps quickly and efficiently, apprenticeship units offer businesses a more agile alternative to full apprenticeship programmes, while still maintaining nationally recognised standards.

What Are Apprenticeship Units?

Apprenticeship units are short, modular training courses extracted from existing apprenticeship standards. Rather than completing a full apprenticeship (which can take 12 months or more), employees can now undertake a specific “unit” of learning focused on particular skills.

Key features include:

• Modular structure – focused on specific knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

• Short duration – typically between 1 and 16 weeks

• Targeted learning – aligned to employer-identified skills gaps

• Recognised outcomes – based on national occupational standards

In simple terms, if a full apprenticeship is a complete qualification, an apprenticeship unit is a focused section of that qualification delivered on its own.

Why Apprenticeship Units Have Been Introduced

The initiative sits within wider reforms to the apprenticeship system, including the transition to the Growth and Skills Levy, aimed at increasing flexibility for employers.

The goals are to:

• Help businesses respond quickly to skills shortages

• Enable rapid upskilling of existing staff

• Allow more flexible use of levy funds

• Broaden access to training beyond traditional long-form programmes

These changes reflect employer feedback that the previous system lacked flexibility for workforce development.

What Apprenticeship Units Are Available?

The first wave of apprenticeship units launched in April 2026, focusing on high-demand sectors such as:

Digital, AI and Technology

• AI Strategy and Opportunity

• AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance

• AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation

Engineering & Manufacturing

• Mechanical fitting and assembly

• Electrical fitting and assembly

• Welding

• Battery manufacturing

Green Skills & Infrastructure

• Solar PV installation and maintenance

• EV charging installation and maintenance

These units typically range from 30 to 140 hours of training, depending on the subject.

As the programme expands, additional units are expected across other priority sectors.

Who Are Apprenticeship Units For?

Apprenticeship units are designed specifically for:

• Employees aged 19+

• Individuals already in work

• Employers needing rapid upskilling, not new career entry

They are not intended as entry-level training, but rather as a way to enhance the skills of existing staff quickly and effectively.

These short courses are free to SME employers.

To find out more, please contact our Workforce Skills Team at [email protected], call 01494 927130, or book in a chat with one of our team.