Skip to content
About LyceumContact usLogin
BPP, home page

Apprenticeship units

Apprenticeship units offer fast, flexible training funded through the Growth and Skills Levy. Built from existing apprenticeship standards, they enable employers to address critical skills gaps with targeted, high‑quality learning without committing to a full apprenticeship. 

What is an apprenticeship unit? 

Apprenticeship units are one of the most significant developments in the apprenticeship system to date.

Key features

Short, formally-recognised units based on predefined knowledge and skills from full apprenticeship standards
Fully funded for both levy‑paying and non‑levy‑paying employers
Comprising 30 to 140 guided learning hours, delivered over a period of 1 to 16 weeks
Available as standalone learning, while also counting as prior learning if the learner later progresses to the full apprenticeship from which the unit was developed
No formal Level 2 English or maths requirement
Assessed through a skills test to confirm that the learner has acquired the knowledge and skills set out in the apprenticeship unit

Who is eligible to complete an apprenticeship unit?

  • Existing employees aged 19 and over who are already established in a role 

  • Employees where a clear need for rapid upskilling has been identified by their employer to meet business priorities or maintain competitiveness 

Apprenticeship units cannot be used for learners: 

  • Aged under 19 

  • Looking to move into their first ever job role 

  • Starting a new career or job role 

Funding apprenticeship units 

Apprenticeship units are: 

  • Fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy 

  • Available to levy-paying and non-levy-paying employers 

Funding bands for apprenticeship units are expected to be confirmed from 1 April 2026. 

Find out more about apprenticeship funding

Eligible training providers 

Apprenticeship units will initially only be available through selected, pre‑approved training providers to ensure high‑quality delivery.   

Providers must: 

  • Already deliver, and demonstrate strong performance in, the apprenticeship standard or sector subject areas from which the unit is drawn 

  • Be on the government’s official Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR) and actively deliver full apprenticeships 

  • ‘Have no ‘at risk’ indicators on the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework 

  • Be free from contractual funding restrictions 

What are the first apprenticeship units to be launched? 

The rollout of apprenticeship units will be phased, focusing first on key skills identified within the Industrial Strategy. 

Launching in April 2026: 

  • AI leadership – developing AI strategy

  • Electric vehicle charging point installation and maintenance 

  • Electrical fitting and assembly 

  • Mechanical fitting and assembly 

  • Permanent modular building assembly 

  • Solar PV installation and maintenance 

  • Welding

What this means for employers  

  • Close skills gaps quickly with short, flexible training, without the need to commit to a full apprenticeship programme 

  • Use apprenticeship units to upskill existing employees while full apprenticeships continue to build your early‑talent pipeline 

  • Increase employee uptake of funded training with shorter, more flexible learning options that feel less daunting than a full apprenticeship 

  • Make the most of your levy by creating a flexible, end‑to‑end workforce development strategy tailored to your organisation’s unique skills needs 

Need more help?

If you would like to discuss the impact of these changes or explore how to adapt your apprenticeship strategy in light of the changes, please contact us. Our team is here to support you in planning effectively for the year ahead.

Speak to us