Apprenticeship Units
What they are and why they matter to your business
Launching in April 2026, Apprenticeship Units will mark a large reform to the UK's skills system. Designed to be a faster, more flexible way to train, Apprenticeship Units will allow businesses to upskill new capabilities at pace.
Learn more about Apprenticeship Units and why they matter to your business.
What is an apprenticeship unit?
Apprenticeship units are a new initiative, designed to allow learners to complete a segment of an apprenticeship programme, rather than the full curriculum.
Every Apprenticeship unit is fully accredited and taken directly from approved national apprenticeship standards. They offer a shorter and more flexible alternative to full apprenticeship programmes.
How do apprenticeship units compare to full apprenticeship programmes?
Unlike a full apprenticeship, with units learners do not need to complete the full apprenticeship standard. Here's how apprenticeship units compare to the existing system:
A modular approach to apprenticeships
Each apprenticeship unit covers a specific skillset, allowing learners and businesses to focus on the skills that matter most to them.
Apprenticeship units are fully accredited
Just like a full programme, apprenticeship units are fully accredited. Learners earn credits for the module they complete and are able to enroll in further modules to earn the apprenticeship standard.
Shorter courses and faster application
The biggest benefit of apprenticeship units is that they take significantly less time to complete than a full apprenticeship. This will allow learners to pick up new skills and apply them in weeks and months, rather than years.
Based on existing apprenticeship standards
All apprenticeship units are based on existing apprenticeship standards. This means you receive the same quality and style of training, but the added benefit of being able to select the module that best meets your needs.
Why does this matter to businesses?
Apprenticeship units are a gamechanger for businesses, allowing them to adopt new skills and upskill talent in weeks and months, rather than years.
This allows them to rapidly respond to evolving technologies, in-demand skills and emerging skills gaps. Organisations no longer have to commit to multi-year apprenticeship programmes, and can instead select the modules that will have the biggest impact.
The shorter nature of apprenticeship units also means that learners can bring the benefits of what they've learnt back to the business quicker, increasing ROI.
This ultimately allows for more flexible use of Growth and Skills Levy funding. Giving businesses the option to invest in the skills they need at any one moment, whether that be AI literacy, data analytics, cloud infrastructure or cyber security.
How are apprenticeship units funded?
Apprenticeship units will be funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, in the same way that apprenticeship programmes are currently.
The big difference however, is in the flexibility. Apprenticeship units give businesses greater control over how long their teams are training for, what skills they are learning and how they use their levy budget.
Both the Growth and Skills Levy and apprenticeship units were introduced to make the UK's skills system more flexible, allowing for the faster adoption of emerging skills, such as literacy in data and AI.
When were apprenticeship units first announced?
The UK government announced the latest apprenticeship reforms in October 2025, with the aim of launching the new system in April 2026. This was further supported by the fast-tracking of some courses in February as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The first wave of fundable Apprenticeship Units is due to launch in April.
'By addressing critical skills gaps in the economy, these programmes will enable quicker, targeted upskilling, helping employers to build a more agile and productive workforce while supporting individuals to gain skills which have a long-lasting impact on careers.' - UK Government Whitepaper, October 2025
What are the benefits of apprenticeship units?
For learners
- Flexible with work life: shorter units allow learners to better fit learning around their existing workplace commitments.
- Faster skills application: Rapid and targeted skills adoptions means learners can apply what they've learnt in the workplace faster.
- High-impact skills: Learners can focus their training on the skills that are most needed in their business.
For employers
- Close skills gaps faster: Units allow business to accelerate learning and gain access to critical capabilities faster.
- Faster ROI: Employees return to their full-time role sooner, equipped with high impact skills.
- Flexibility levy spend: Units allow businesses to spend their levy funds on the skills they need most.
How to find out more about apprenticeship units
As a leading provider of apprenticeships for almost 20 years, QA will be offering Apprenticeship Units in some of the most in-demand skills in tech.
How apprenticeships work
One of our specialist Digital Learning Consultants, Thomas Eaves (TJ), shares what apprentices can expect from their training journey.
In this video, TJ breaks down how apprentices balance on‑the‑job experience with structured learning, and highlights the personalised support they’ll receive from their dedicated learning consultant every step of the way.
Hear from our apprentices
Keren chose a Digital Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship because her hands-on approach didn’t align with the traditional university route.
Working as a Business Analyst at NatWest, she’s able to apply her learning directly to her role, gaining real-world experience and financial freedom while continuously growing her skills.
"Apprentices are bold, resilient people who get stuck in, learn on the job and aren’t afraid to take on new challenges. What we do is give them the tools to make an impact, and I believe that’s why taking on apprentices is not a risk in troubled times. It’s a solution."
