Apprenticeship Units

Apprenticeship units are short, targeted training programmes designed to upskill existing employees in specific, priority skill areas.

They:

• Sit outside a full apprenticeship (they are not an apprenticeship standard)
• Focus on job‑specific skills, not broad occupational competence
• Are funded using:
  • Employer apprenticeship levy funds, or
  • Government co‑investment for non‑levy employers

Key benefit for employers: A flexible way to use levy funds (or access subsidised training) without the time, assessment, or administrative commitment of a full apprenticeship.

Any employer in England can access apprenticeship unit funding, provided they:

• Employ the learner directly (or via a connected company or charity under HMRC rules)
• Are set up on the apprenticeship service
• Work with an approved training provider delivering an approved apprenticeship unit

Levy‑paying employers can use funds from their apprenticeship service account. Non‑levy employers access funding through government co‑investment.

To be eligible for funding, employees must:

• Be aged 19 or over at the start of the unit
• Spend at least 50% of their working time in England (including hybrid and remote roles)
• Be on a PAYE contract of employment
• Have a separate, identifiable line manager
• Be able to complete the unit within their employment contract period

Employees cannot be funded if they:

• Are already on an apprenticeship or another apprenticeship unit
• Are undertaking any other DfE‑funded training (including HE or student loan‑funded provision)
• Are sole traders, most self‑employed workers, or directors/shareholders without a separate manager

Employers must:

• Confirm the learner’s employment and PAYE status
• Confirm the learner is paid a lawful wage
  • The apprentice minimum wage must not be used
• Work with the provider to confirm eligibility and provide evidence when requested

Employers do not need to:

• Sign an apprenticeship agreement
• Provide off‑the‑job training time
• Support English & maths delivery
• Engage with end‑point assessment

Important: Apprenticeship units are simpler than apprenticeships, but funding compliance still applies. Incorrect use of funds may result in recovery of funding.

Apprenticeship unit funding cannot be used where the employee already has most of the relevant skills.

• If an employee already has 50% or more of the skills/knowledge covered by the unit, funding is not available
• Units must represent new or additional learning, not a refresher or duplicated CPD

Providers will discuss this with both the employer and employee before enrolment.

Employees can only start on:

• Approved apprenticeship units, and
• Units delivered by providers approved to deliver those specific units

Approved apprenticeship units are published nationally via Skills England.

Where an employee has a learning difficulty or disability that requires reasonable adjustments:

• Providers may claim a £150 learning support payment per unit
• This funding:
  • Supports reasonable adjustments only
  • Is not taken from the employer’s levy account

This helps employers ensure inclusive access to training without additional cost.

Employers commonly use apprenticeship units to:

• Upskill existing staff quickly
• Address specific skills shortages
• Develop supervisors, technicians, and specialists
• Test training before committing to a full apprenticeship
• Make productive use of unused levy funds

Many employers use units as a stepping stone into full apprenticeships.

Before starting an apprenticeship unit, employers should check:

• The employee meets eligibility criteria
• The skills are new and not already held
• The unit aligns to business need
• Payroll and contract arrangements are in place
• The provider and unit are approved

To explore apprenticeship units for your workforce:

1. Identify skills gaps or priority roles
2. Discuss suitable apprenticeship units with your training provider
3. Confirm employee eligibility
4. Approve use of levy or co‑investment funding

For further guidance, register your interest using this form and we'll be in touch.