Level 5 Apprenticeship Unit | Coming soon
AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy
- Develop AI‑literate leaders who make confident strategic decisions
- Turn AI investment into real business value
- Lead AI responsibly with clear governance and control
- Guide people and organisations through AI‑driven change
- Manage AI‑related risk, ethics and compliance at enterprise level
What you need to know
Overview
Develop AI‑literate leaders who can turn AI investment into a responsible business advantage
AI changes how organisations lead, not just how they operate. Leaders who can connect technology to strategy, people, governance and purpose are now essential as AI becomes embedded across organisations.
AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy is a Level 5 apprenticeship unit designed for individuals in, or aspiring to, leadership roles with responsibility for AI direction, governance and oversight. It builds their confidence, judgement and strategic capability to lead AI adoption responsibly, making evidence-based investment decisions and aligning AI adoption with organisational goals, values and risk appetite.
Rather than focusing on technical delivery or coding, this apprenticeship unit develops leadership judgement in an AI‑enabled world. It helps organisations move beyond experimentation towards value‑driven AI adoption, led by those with the authority to set direction and coordinate change across the organisation.
Who is it for?
For leaders and aspiring leaders accountable for AI direction, governance and decision-making
This apprenticeship unit is for those who shape, or aspire to shape, organisational decisions, strategy and direction for AI use, rather than building or coding AI systems themselves.
It is ideally suited to leaders and aspiring leaders who:
- Influence organisational or functional strategy
- Make evidence-based decisions about AI investment, risk and priorities
- Are accountable for performance, governance and organisational impact
- Lead people and organisational change
Outcomes and benefits
This AI apprenticeship unit helps organisations close a critical leadership gap by building the capability to set AI strategy, govern risk, and lead organisational change as AI becomes embedded across the business.
By the end of this apprenticeship unit, leaders will have developed the judgement, confidence and perspective needed to lead effectively in organisations where AI is increasingly part of everyday decision‑making.
Participants will be better equipped to:
- Understand how AI shapes organisational strategy, risk and performance
- Make sound leadership decisions where AI tools, data and human judgement intersect
- Lead AI‑enabled change in ways that align technology with organisational values and purpose
- Foster ethical, accountable and sustainable approaches to AI use across teams and functions
For employers, the programme develops leaders who can translate AI ambition into well‑governed, people‑centred action strengthening confidence, leadership maturity and organisational readiness as AI becomes more embedded in everyday work.
Why choose Henley?
Proven leadership development for sustainable organisational transformation
For over 80 years, Henley Business School has supported organisations through major shifts in how they lead and operate, from globalisation and digitalisation to sustainability and now artificial intelligence.
Henley understands that:
- Transformation succeeds or fails through leadership
- Technology only delivers value when embedded into strategy, culture and capability
- Developing leaders remains a long‑term investment, not a short‑term technical fix
AI represents the next major inflexion point in business leadership, and Henley is uniquely placed to support organisations and their business leaders and aspiring leaders through it.
AI and digital expertise grounded in real organisational research
Henley’s digital and AI leadership education is underpinned by a strong foundation in digital capability and AI research, led by the Henley Informatics Research Centre. This combines expertise in AI, data and digital systems with research‑informed insight into how technology reshapes organisations.
This ensures learners develop AI literacy grounded in real understanding, without needing to become technologists themselves.
Proven excellence in apprenticeship delivery
Henley is a leading provider of senior‑level and digital apprenticeships, trusted by employers across sectors. Henley's programmes have combined academic rigour with practical application, experienced faculty and cohort‑based learning designed to deliver long‑term organisational impact.
When will it launch?
This apprenticeship unit was recently announced by the Government. Using our expertise in delivering the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, this Level 5 AI Leadership - Developing AI Strategy apprenticeship unit is currently in development.
Register your interest and keep up to date with the development of this Henley programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy?
AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy is a Level 5 apprenticeship designed for aspiring and experienced leaders who are accountable for AI‑related decisions and outcomes. It develops leadership judgement, confidence and strategic capability in an AI‑enabled world, aligned to a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.
For learners, it provides formal recognition and achievement.
For employers, it offers a structured way to build leadership capability in AI strategy, governance and organisational change.
Who is this Level 5 apprenticeship unit designed for?
This apprenticeship is designed for aspiring and experienced leaders and decision‑makers, including senior managers, heads of function, directors and leaders responsible for strategy, people and performance.
It is suited to those who:
- influence organisational direction
- make decisions about AI investment and risk
- lead change rather than deliver technical solutions
Learners gain credibility and confidence at a senior level, while employers develop leaders they can trust to govern AI responsibly.
Do learners need technical or coding skills?
No. This is not a technical or coding‑focused apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship unit develops AI‑literate leadership, not AI specialists. Learners build the confidence and judgement to lead conversations, decisions and governance around AI, while working effectively with technical teams where required.
This ensures organisations benefit from strong leadership oversight without expecting leaders to become technologists.
What are the learning outcomes?
Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the following seven areas. These are the knowledge and skills outcomes specified on the apprenticeship unit, and will therefore be covered in the course.
- AI strategy and organisational direction
- AI procurement, investment and adoption
- Governance, ethics and responsible AI
- Enterprise risk, audit and incident readiness
- Leadership, delivery and organisational change
- Communication, trust and external engagement
- Workforce transformation and capability building
What is the difference between an apprenticeship programme and an apprenticeship unit?
An apprenticeship programme: is a full apprenticeship standard, typically lasting 12–36 months, which develops a broad range of knowledge, skills and behaviours and leads to a full apprenticeship qualification.
An apprenticeship unit: is a shorter, accredited training module derived from a full apprenticeship standard, designed to teach specific skills in a shorter time frame.
How do I apply?
Learners must be nominated by their employer and should be aspiring or experienced leaders with responsibility for AI‑related decisions and outcomes.
As this programme is still in development, applications are not yet open. You can register your interest using the form below to stay informed about availability and next steps.
For guidance or to discuss suitability, contact the Henley Apprenticeships team:
- Email: apprenticeships@henley.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)118 378 4030
Register your interest
Thank you for your interest in our Level 5 AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy Apprenticeship Unit. To register for updates about the programme, please provide the following.
Contact us
For more information about Henley’s apprenticeship programmes please contact
Email: apprenticeships@henley.ac.ukTelephone: (0)118 378 4030
