A New Approach to Skills Development
The introduction of apprenticeship units marks one of the most significant recent changes to the apprenticeship system in England. Designed to increase flexibility and responsiveness, these units represent a shift away from the traditional model toward a more modular, skills-focused approach.
Apprenticeship units signal a move toward shorter, targeted training that will be delivered and applied more quickly.
What Are Apprenticeship Units?
Apprenticeship units are short, standalone training courses drawn from existing apprenticeship standards. Rather than completing a full apprenticeship, learners can now focus on specific elements. This will help to develop particular skills and knowledge areas that are directly relevant to their role.
The units are designed to address skills gaps, allowing employers to target training where it is needed most.
A More Flexible, Modular System
One of the defining features of apprenticeship units is their modular structure. Each unit acts as a building block, covering a specific set of competencies that would traditionally form part of a larger apprenticeship.
One advantage is that this approach allows learners to complete training in a shorter timeframe (30 to 140 delivery hours, delivered over 1 to 16 weeks).
In practice, this allows shorter bursts of focused learning.
Assessment and Delivery
Unlike full apprenticeships, which include mandatory independent assessment, the training provider typically assesses apprenticeship units through a skills test. Providers may also choose to use an awarding organisation such as 1st for Awarding to design and deliver the assessment.
The assessment will evaluate knowledge and how effectively learners apply their skills in the workplace, aligning more closely with real-world performance.
Funding
Apprenticeship units are funded through the Growth and Skills Levy (previously the Apprenticeship Levy), in a similar way to full apprenticeships. This means employers can use existing levy funds to access shorter, targeted training opportunities.
For non-levy paying employers, government funding may cover the full cost of training. This makes units an accessible option for a wider range of organisations.
For more information on funding, please visit The Growth and Skills Levy
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Be 19 or over
- Already employed
- Need to upskill where new skills are required or to adapt to a changing job role
You will not be eligible if you are beginning a new occupation or career. In this case, an apprenticeship could be more suitable.
Progression
Although apprenticeship units function as standalone courses, they still connect to the wider system.
Because existing standards underpin them, completed units can count as prior learning toward a full apprenticeship in the future. This approach allows learners to build their skills gradually and progress to a full qualification when appropriate.
This creates more flexible learning pathways, particularly where a full apprenticeship is not best suited from the outset.
For more information on apprenticeship units:
