AI Adoption, Procurement & Governance Apprenticeship Unit (AU0010)

Course overview

Artificial Intelligence is becoming an increasingly important consideration within organisational strategy. As organisations look to maximise the opportunities presented by AI and automation, Strategic Leaders have a significant responsibility in ensuring adoption is aligned to organisational priorities and business direction.

This apprenticeship unit is designed for managers who have responsibility for overseeing, selecting or supporting the introduction of AI systems within their organisation. It is particularly relevant for those working in management, IT, digital, procurement or governance roles who need a clear understanding of how to evaluate AI solutions, manage associated risks and support responsible implementation.

Day 1 – Responsible AI Leadership and Strategic Direction (K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S7)

Explore how leaders establish the values, direction and organisational conditions required for responsible AI adoption.

AI and automation concepts, models and limitations for leadership decision-making

• The impact of AI adoption on organisational culture
• Leadership responsibilities for setting AI values and policies
• The business case for ethical AI, including reputation, engagement, morale and sustainability
• Using qualitative and quantitative evidence to identify improvement, innovation and growth opportunities

Day 2 – Organisational Need, Feasibility and Solution Options (K5, K6, S3, S5, S6, S8, S11)

Assess whether AI adoption is viable and identify the solution models most likely to meet organisational needs.

• Defining the business need, intended outcomes, constraints and measures of success
• Evaluating feasibility across time, cost, data quality, process maturity, scalability and workforce readiness
• Comparing on-premises, cloud-based and third-party AI solutions
• Commissioning analysis and using cost-benefit evidence to support acquisition decisions
• Horizon scanning emerging technologies, supplier developments and sector trends

Day 3 – Testing, Benchmarking and User Validation (K5, K7, S3, S10, S11)

Develop expectations for testing and interpret evidence before recommending an AI solution for acquisition.

• Principles and practical application of AI testing methodologies
• Using test data, benchmarks and acceptance criteria to assess performance and reliability
• Testing security, accessibility and alignment with organisational requirements
• Designing user testing and validation with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Analysing unintended consequences and producing evidence-based recommendation

Day 4 – Supplier Evaluation and AI Acquisition Risk (K6, K8, K14, S5, S6, S9)

Apply structured criteria to compare suppliers and assess the commercial, technical and governance risks of acquisition.

• Evaluating suppliers against cost, performance, organisational fit, data readiness and strategic priorities
• Supplier due diligence, contractual considerations and evidence of responsible AI practice
• Assessing vendor lock-in, data protection, intellectual property, sustainability and exit arrangements
• Identifying system vulnerabilities and risks to assets, data and cyber security
• Applying legal, regulatory, ethical and governance considerations throughout the acquisition process

Day 5 –Accountability and Responsible Decision-Making (K8, K9, K11, K12, S2, S4, S7, S9, S12)

Design governance arrangements that establish accountability, support human-centred adoption and build organisational trust.

• Designing AI governance frameworks, decision rights, roles, responsibilities and escalation pathways
• Using evidence to identify, escalate and mitigate operational, data and cyber risks
• Applying ethics, values-based leadership and human-centred design principles
• Defining effective human-AI collaboration and meaningful human oversight
• Engaging and training non-technical colleagues on their responsibilities, concerns and contribution to governance

Day 6 – Assurance, Compliance and Continuous Improvement (K10, K13, K15, S4, S10, S13)

Establish proportionate assurance and compliance processes that demonstrate responsible AI adoption and enable improvement.

• Documenting solution design, acquisition decisions, model behaviour and organisational approvals
• Conducting structured risk assessments and aligning activity with recognised assurance frameworks
• Evidencing auditability, transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance
• Undertaking assurance activities across procurement, implementation and ongoing operation

Course benefits

Strengthens strategic leadership and organisational direction: Enables senior leaders to make informed decisions on AI adoption that align to organisational priorities, long-term growth, and digital transformation objectives.

Improves AI acquisition and investment decisions: Provides a structured approach to evaluating cost, performance, organisational fit, data readiness and risk.

Reduces supplier and acquisition risk: Helps leaders assess vendor lock-in, data use, intellectual property, cyber security and sustainability considerations.

Establishes clear governance and accountability: Supports the creation of defined roles, responsibilities, decision rights and escalation pathways.

Supports ethical and compliant AI adoption: Embeds legal, regulatory, ethical and values-led considerations into organisational decision-making.

Strengthens assurance and auditability: Improves documentation, structured risk assessment, transparency and evidence of responsible adoption

Builds workforce confidence and trust: Develops effective stakeholder engagement, training and meaningful human oversight of AI-supported decisions.

Enables sustainable and scalable adoption: Aligns technical capabilities with business needs and establishes feedback loops for continuous improvement.

Please note

To be eligible, learners must be aged 19 or over and employed full-time. Individuals who are currently enrolled on an apprenticeship programme are not eligible to undertake standalone Apprenticeship Units.

This training is funded either through the Apprenticeship Levy or, for eligible non-levy paying employers, may be available at no cost.

When a booking is submitted through the website, a member of our team will contact you to confirm delegate details and discuss the funding arrangements to ensure the enrolment process is completed smoothly.