Apprenticeship units are short, focused training interventions designed to address specific skills gaps within an existing workforce, supporting individuals who are already occupationally competent and require additional, updated or specialist knowledge and skills to perform effectively within their existing role. They will provide employers with a more flexible and responsive way of addressing workforce skills needs where a full apprenticeship may not be the most appropriate solution, making them ideal for small businesses. They are also well placed to help businesses provide bespoke training in Leadership & Management, Digital literacy and AI, and core skills for work-readiness, within their sector.  

You can find current apprenticeship units currently being delivered on Apprenticeship Finder: Apprenticeship search / Skills England. 

Skills England is inviting proposals for new Apprenticeship Units that respond to identified business and sector needs. Proposals must meet the following criteria: 

• Addresses a specific, clearly defined skills need, rather than a broad area of occupational capability.
• Builds on existing occupational competence. Learners should already have the knowledge, skills and experience required within their occupation.
• Is suitable for a short, focused intervention, typically around 1–16 weeks and 30–140 hours of learning.
• Has a clearly identifiable and achievable learning outcome, focused on particular knowledge, skills or technical capabilities.
• Can be applied directly in the workplace, providing practical value and enabling skills to be put into practice.
• Responds to a genuine and evidenced employer/workforce need, which may include alignment to needs set out in the Buckinghamshire LSIP 2026.   
• Aligns with an existing occupational standard wherever possible, with a clear relationship to recognised occupational practice.
• Complements rather than duplicates existing provision.  
• Has relevance beyond a single employer where possible. A need that is highly specific to one employer and unlikely to have wider relevance is identified as less appropriate. 
• Provides a measurable workplace benefit and responds to an identifiable workforce capability requirement 

Skills England encourages joint responses from businesses and sectors, as these provide a better indication of widespread need. Therefore, BBF would welcome any direct feedback from businesses or groups interested in a specific proposal.  

Businesses are invited to complete the Apprenticeship Unit Proposal Form, or discuss their idea for a new Apprenticeship Unit with BBF by contacting: [email protected]