{"id":26554,"date":"2026-10-29T17:13:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebusinessculture.co.uk\/hey\/good-news\/avant-skills-academy-leads-the-way-in-ai-training-with-new-apprenticeship-and-funded-leadership-programmes\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T17:13:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:13:24","slug":"avant-skills-academy-leads-the-way-in-ai-training-with-new-apprenticeship-and-funded-leadership-programmes","status":"publish","type":"good-news","link":"https:\/\/thebusinessculture.co.uk\/hey\/good-news\/avant-skills-academy-leads-the-way-in-ai-training-with-new-apprenticeship-and-funded-leadership-programmes\/","title":{"rendered":"Avant Skills Academy Leads the Way in AI Training with New Apprenticeship and Funded Leadership Programmes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Avant Skills Academy, the Humber's only independent training provider approved to deliver the new Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units, is expanding its provision with the launch of a Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The announcement marks another significant milestone for Avant, which also holds the distinction of being the Humber's only Department for Education (DfE) Apprenticeship Expert Provider.<\/p>\n

With the new programmes launching in January 2027, Avant is helping employers across the Humber and nationally develop the skills needed to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), improve productivity and prepare their workforce for the future.<\/p>\n

The new provision includes the Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship<\/strong>, designed to help employers upskill existing employees to identify inefficiencies, automate processes and implement practical improvements within their organisations.<\/p>\n

Avant has also secured approval to deliver three new Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units<\/strong>, providing short, focused training for managers and business leaders responsible for AI strategy, governance, investment decisions and organisational transformation.<\/p>\n

Developing the AI Skills Businesses Need<\/h2>\n

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday business operations, organisations face a growing need to develop the skills required to use emerging technologies effectively and responsibly.<\/p>\n

Avant's new Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship<\/strong> is designed to help employers develop that expertise within their existing workforce.<\/p>\n

The apprenticeship will equip employees with the skills to identify inefficient processes, explore AI and automation opportunities, develop digital workflows and implement solutions that improve the way businesses operate.<\/p>\n

From repetitive administration and manual data processing to disconnected systems and time-consuming reporting, the programme focuses on helping employees recognise where technology could deliver practical business improvements.<\/p>\n

Rather than simply teaching employees how to use AI tools, the apprenticeship develops their ability to apply AI and automation to real workplace challenges, supporting improved productivity, efficiency and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n

Avant is now welcoming employer enquiries for its first planned intake in January 2027<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Approved to Deliver New Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units<\/h2>\n

Alongside the Level 4 apprenticeship, Avant Skills Academy has secured approval to deliver three new Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units, introduced as part of the government's Growth and Skills Levy reforms.<\/p>\n

These short, focused training programmes are designed to help employers develop the capabilities of existing managers and leaders responsible for AI adoption, investment decisions and organisational change.<\/p>\n

The three units are:<\/p>\n

AI Strategy & Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n

Helping business leaders understand AI capabilities, identify opportunities for improvement, evaluate potential benefits and develop an AI strategy aligned with organisational objectives.<\/p>\n

AI Adoption, Procurement & Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Developing the knowledge and confidence to evaluate AI solutions, make informed procurement decisions, manage risks and establish responsible approaches to AI governance.<\/p>\n

AI Delivery & Organisational Transformation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Supporting leaders to implement AI solutions, manage organisational change, consider workforce impacts and ensure that AI investments deliver sustainable business value.<\/p>\n

Employers can express an interest in individual units or a complete three-unit leadership development pathway.<\/p>\n

Avant is currently engaging with employers to understand their training priorities, helping shape delivery arrangements around business demand and available resources.<\/p>\n

Government-Funded Training to Support Employers<\/h2>\n

One of the most significant opportunities for employers is the funding available for the new Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units.<\/p>\n

Under the government's Growth and Skills Levy arrangements, eligible non-levy-paying employers can access fully funded training<\/strong> for their employees, helping make AI leadership development more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.<\/p>\n

The units are also fully funded for eligible employees aged 19–24 at levy-paying employers. For employees aged 25 and over, levy-paying organisations can use their apprenticeship levy funds, subject to the relevant funding arrangements.<\/p>\n

Each Level 5 unit is designed to provide focused, work-relevant training without requiring employees to undertake a full apprenticeship.<\/p>\n

The funding arrangements offer employers a valuable opportunity to develop essential AI leadership skills while managing training costs.<\/p>\n

Avant's Employer Engagement Team can support businesses in understanding eligibility, funding arrangements and which training opportunities best meet their needs.<\/p>\n

Recognised Expertise in Apprenticeship Delivery<\/h2>\n

Avant Skills Academy's expansion into AI training builds on its established track record of delivering apprenticeships and workforce development programmes.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Avant was selected by the Department for Education as an Apprenticeship Expert Provider<\/strong>, recognising its apprenticeship delivery experience, performance and commitment to supporting employers.<\/p>\n

Avant remains the only DfE Apprenticeship Expert Provider in the Humber region, further strengthening its position as a trusted training partner for businesses.<\/p>\n

Its approval to deliver the new AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units also makes Avant the only independent training provider in the Humber approved to offer this new provision.<\/p>\n

With the addition of the new AI programmes, Avant is extending its expertise into an increasingly important area of business development, helping employers respond to technological change by investing in their existing workforce.<\/p>\n

Helping Businesses Prepare for the Future<\/h2>\n

Commenting on the introduction of the new programmes, Steve Roe, Chief Executive of Avant Skills Academy<\/strong>, said:<\/p>\n

“Artificial Intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, but the real opportunity lies in developing the people who can use it effectively.<\/p>\n

“We're delighted to be expanding our apprenticeship provision with these new AI programmes, helping employers build the practical and leadership skills they need within their existing workforce.<\/p>\n

“Being approved to deliver the new AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units is an important development for Avant, and reflects our continued commitment to providing training that responds to the changing needs of employers.<\/p>\n

“With government funding available to support eligible businesses, we want to make these opportunities accessible to organisations of all sizes, helping them improve productivity, embrace innovation and prepare for the future.”<\/p>\n

The new AI programmes will be promoted nationally, with blended learning designed to bring together structured training and practical workplace application.<\/p>\n

By offering both technical and leadership-focused development, Avant aims to support organisations in building AI capability at different levels of their workforce.<\/p>\n

Employees undertaking the Level 4 apprenticeship will develop the practical skills to identify and implement improvements, while managers and leaders undertaking the Level 5 units will focus on setting direction, making informed decisions and leading responsible AI adoption.<\/p>\n

Together, the programmes provide opportunities for organisations to move beyond simply experimenting with AI tools and towards applying technology in ways that support genuine business objectives.<\/p>\n

Register Your Interest for January 2027<\/h2>\n

Avant Skills Academy is now welcoming enquiries from employers interested in its January 2027 Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Employers are also invited to register their interest in the new Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeship Units<\/strong>, helping Avant identify demand and shape delivery arrangements for January 2027<\/p>\n

Businesses interested in developing their existing employees can find out more about programme suitability, delivery arrangements and available funding by contacting Avant's Employer Engagement Team.<\/p>\n

Discover Avant's new AI & Automation training programmes and register your interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Explore Our AI Programmes]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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