Why study this unit?

This unit will help leaders to identify realistic AI opportunities, build business cases, assess risks and align AI strategy to organisational goals before investing time or money.

Who is it for?

Those responsible for setting direction, governance and oversight of AI use. Suited to organisations at an early/exploratory stage of AI adoption. This unit will help leaders identify realistic AI opportunities, build business cases, assess risks and align AI strategy to organisational goals before investing time or money.

Entry Requirements

Employed and in a leadership position with autonomy to deliver technological change and inform investment decisions. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Content can be tailored to sector context and organisational priorities, allowing leaders to explore relevant use cases, risks and opportunities specific to their business environment.
• AI concepts/capabilities/limitations.
• Responsible AI strategy.
• Identifying AI opportunities using qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Risk assessment; defining and communicating AI strategy.
• Use cases/pilots; stakeholder engagement.
• Horizon scanning.

Employer Considerations

• Leaders will need around 30 hours of protected time to attend workshops and complete guided activities.
• Learning is embedded through live organisational challenges, such as identifying AI opportunities, assessing risk or shaping strategy.
• Rather than reducing productivity, the programme is intended to accelerate informed decision-making and reduce risk before investment in AI solutions.
• As participants are in leadership roles, supervision is typically limited; however, organisational alignment and internal stakeholder input may be needed to support strategic development.
• Includes a skills assessment and employer validation, ensuring that learning outcomes are relevant and aligned to business needs.

Duration/Delivery

Delivery is designed to be flexible and concise, reflecting the needs and availability of senior leaders. The unit can be delivered over a minimum of 30 hours, typically through a blended model combining facilitated workshops (in-person or virtual), independent study and workplace application.

What happens next?

Following completion, leaders are well positioned to take forward AI adoption at a strategic level, with clear next steps depending on organisational maturity.

Progression may include:

• Moving into more detailed AI adoption, procurement and governance activity
  Leading or sponsoring AI pilot projects and transformation initiatives within the organisation.
• Developing organisational capability in areas such as data readiness, digital transformation and innovation strategy.
• Continuing professional development in AI, digital leadership, data strategy or change management.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Gateshead College offers a delivery approach focused on practical, employer-relevant leadership development, ensuring that AI strategy is grounded in real organisational needs rather than theory alone.

Key strengths include:

• Employer-focused delivery: Content is contextualised to the organisation, enabling leaders to work on live strategic priorities throughout the programme.
• Up-to-date industry insight: Delivery reflects current developments in AI, responsible use, and digital transformation trends, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving field.
• Flexible learning design: Blended and workshop-based delivery is designed to suit the time constraints of senior leaders, while maintaining depth and impact.
• Strong employer engagement: Links with regional and sector networks support broader insight, collaboration opportunities and shared learning.
• Applied outcomes: Emphasis on producing tangible outputs, such as AI opportunity frameworks, risk assessments and strategic direction documents, which can be used immediately within the organisation.

Why study this unit?

This training ensures organisations are not only informed about AI, but are equipped to adopt it responsibly, confidently and effectively. This unit is designed to help you to reduce risk when buying or adopting AI by improving procurement, governance, assurance and human oversight before systems are deployed. It forms a critical bridge between the strategic intent ofidentifying AI opportunities and the practical implementation of delivering and scaling AI solutions.

Who is it for?

This unit is best suited to those who evaluate options, develop business cases, and establish governance/assurance for AI and digital technologies.

Entry Requirements

Employed in a leadership role with the autonomy to deliver technological change and inform investment decisions. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

The programme can be tailored to align with:

• Current or upcoming AI procurement activity.
• Governance frameworks under development.
• Organisational risk or compliance priorities.
• Sector-specific regulatory or ethical considerations.
• Evaluating AI solutions/vendors.
• Procurement decisions based on testing, benchmarking and user validation.
• AI acquisition risks including vendor lock-in, data, IP and sustainability; governance frameworks.
• Ethical, legal and regulatory decision-making.
• Assurance/compliance, auditability, transparency and human oversight.

Employer Considerations

• Leaders will need protected time for workshops, reflection and applied tasks.
• You will need to provide real organisational decisions to be used in the learning, such as evaluating vendors, shaping procurement processes or developing governance frameworks.
• Participants should have sufficient authority to influence or contribute to procurement, risk and governance decisions, ensuring learning can be meaningfully applied.
• Impact on day to day productivity should be minimal as the programme is designed to reduce long-term risk, cost and inefficiency by strengthening decision-making before AI systems are implemented.
• Due to the senior nature of those participating, supervision is limited, though input from internal stakeholders (e.g. IT, legal, compliance) may be required.
• The programme includes an initial skills check that needs validating by the employer to ensure alignment between learning outcomes and business needs.

Duration/Delivery

• Delivery is designed to be flexible and responsive to organisational priorities, with a minimum of 30 guided learning hours.
• The unit is typically delivered with a combination of half day or full day workshops, virtual or in person sessions and applied workplace activity.
• Scheduling can be adapted to suit availability, with options for intensive block delivery or spaced sessions, ensuring flexibility while maintaining continuity and impact.

What happens next?

Completion of this unit equips leaders to take forward structured, responsible AI adoption within their organisation, with clear next steps depending on strategic priorities.

Progression opportunities include:

• Moving into AI delivery and organisational transformation activity.
• Leading AI procurement, vendor management and governance frameworks at organisational level.
• Embedding assurance processes, compliance mechanisms and ethical oversight into digital strategy.
• Supporting wider digital transformation, data strategy and innovation programmes.
• Continuing professional development in AI governance, risk management, digital leadership or regulatory compliance.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Gateshead College delivers training with a strong focus on practical application, organisational relevance and responsible innovation.

Key strengths include:

• Leaders apply learning directly to live procurement, governance and assurance challenges, ensuring immediate organisational value.
• Content is informed by evolving AI regulations, ethical frameworks and industry practice, helping organisations stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.
• Blended, workshop-based delivery is designed to fit around leadership responsibilities while maintaining depth.
• Strong links with networks and employers support shared learning, benchmarking and exposure to emerging approaches.
• Delivery emphasises transparency, accountability, risk management and human oversight, supporting compliant and ethical adoption.
• Participants develop practical artefacts, such as procurement frameworks, governance models and risk assessments, which can be implemented immediately.

Why study this unit?

This training helps organisations to not just to introduce AI, but to embed it effectively, responsibly and sustainably across people, processes and systems in a structured way. This unit is designed to complement leadership responsibilities and support active transformation at work.

The emphasis is on integrating learning into real-time transformation activity, rather than treating it as separate from core business priorities, meaning learning is real and can be immediatley applied.

Who is it for?

Leaders responsible for setting direction and overseeing AI use, especially those implementing AI and integrating it into organisational processes and ways of working.

Entry Requirements

Employed leadership role with autonomy to deliver technological change and inform investment decisions. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• AI-enabled organisational change.
• Workforce impacts, reskilling and role redesign.
• Organisational AI risk management.
• Audit/regulatory compliance.
• Incident/security response planning.
• Monitoring deployed AI systems for bias, drift and vulnerabilities.
• Communicating AI risks/opportunities.

Employer Considerations

• Leaders will need at least 30 hours of dedicated time for workshops, reflection and applied tasks.
• You will need to supply live AI delivery or organisational change activity, such as workforce planning, system monitoring or risk management.
• Participants need visibility of operational processes, workforce impacts and implementation challenges to fully apply learning.
• While time is required upfront, the programme supports more effective implementation, reduced risk and improved adoption, leading to stronger long-term outcomes.
• Active participation is essential, particularly in areas such as change communication, risk oversight and decision-making.
• As participants are senior leaders, supervision is limited; however, cross-functional collaboration (e.g. HR, IT, compliance) may be required.
• The programme includes a skills assessment that will need validating by the employer validation, ensuring alignment with organisational transformation goals.

Duration/Delivery

• The programme is delivered over a minimum of 30 hours and can be scheduled as an intensive block or spaced sessions.
• Delivery is typically structured around full or half day workshops, online or in person sessions and workplace application where learning is practically applied to AI implemenation in the workplace.
• The unit can be tailored to organisational context, including:
  • Active AI implementation or pilot projects.
  • Workforce transformation and reskilling initiatives.
  • Change management and communication strategies.
  • Risk, compliance and governance frameworks already in development.

What happens next?

Leaders will be able to move confidently from planning into sustained AI-enabled transformation, with several progression routes available.

These include:

• Continuing or expanding AI deployment across additional business areas, using structured monitoring and improvement approaches.
• Embedding long-term governance, risk management and performance frameworks for AI systems.
• Leading AI procurement, vendor management and governance frameworks at organisational level.
• Leading wider digital transformation or organisational change programmes, building on AI implementation experience.
• Developing capability in related areas such as data strategy, workforce transformation, innovation leadership or operational excellence.
• Moving into more detailed AI adoption, procurement and governance activity Can link to AI adoption/procurement/governance Apprenticeship Unit.

Why choose Gateshead College?

• Gateshead College delivers AI leadership training with a strong emphasis on practical implementation, organisational change and responsible AI deployment.
• Our approach is focused on applied, work-based learning enabling leaders to work on live implementation that gives immediate organisational benefit.
• We only deliver content that reflects emerging trends in AI deployment, governance and workforce transformation, ensuring leaders are equipped for real-world challenges
• We run flexible delivery models to fit around senior responsibilities and schedules.
• We review our approach through strong employer and sector networks to support shared learning, professional benchmarking and awareness of evolving practices
• All training is designed around tangible outcomes: Participants produce practical outputs such as change plans, risk frameworks, monitoring approaches and communication strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Why study this unit?

This training supports rapid upskilling for modular/offsite construction, improving safe installation, dimensional accuracy, compliance, quality and site productivity. The skills learnt can be applied directly to modular building assembly tasks.

Who is it for?

Existing construction workers who are employed and need to upskill to construct and assemble modular buildings for long-term use.

Entry Requirements

Employed with experience in construction. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Health, safety, environmental and welfare principles
• Interpreting technical documents and survey data
• Selecting/installing components and temporary works
• Constructing modular components
• Validating internal services and fire protection
• Finishing techniques to quality standards.

Employer Considerations

• A minimum of 140 hours of protected time to complete the training
• The programme includes a skills test which will need to be validated by the employer.
• Employer supervision/operational release pattern.

Duration/Delivery

• The training is designed as a short, flexible upskilling programme over 1-16 weeks (140 hours in total).
• Content can be tailored to employer need.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Gateshead College offers an exceptional environment for developing the specialist skills required in permanent modular building assembly, combining industry‑standard facilities, expert teaching, and strong employer partnerships. Our construction provision is recognised as outstanding, reflecting consistently high achievement rates, strong learner experience and a curriculum that is fully aligned to current and emerging industry needs.

Why study this unit?

This programme builds practical mechanical capability for production/maintenance settings, reducing errors and improving safe assembly, fault diagnosis and quality assurance.

Who is it for?

Employed engineering operatives and technicians who need to upskill in mechanical fitting and assembly fundamentals.

Entry Requirements

Some experience as an engineering operative or technician. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Health and safety
• Interpreting mechanical specifications, drawings and technical documentation
• Planning and organising activities
• Selecting tools/equipment; measuring and marking out
• Mechanical fitting/assembly
• Fault finding
• Quality checks.

Employer Considerations

• A minimum of 70 hours or protected training time will need to be provided to the participant.
• The programme includes a skills test which will need employer validation.
• Management/supervision time of the participant.
• Allowance for the impact on day to day duties and production.

Duration/Delivery

• Delivered over 70 hours.
• Flexible delivery models available that fit around job roles/production needs.
• Training content can be tailored to organisational needs.

What next?

This training could support progression into wider engineering operative/technician routes or linked employer-specific manufacturing roles.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Gateshead College provides an outstanding environment for developing the specialist skills required in mechanical fitting and assembly, combining high‑quality teaching, industry‑standard facilities and strong employer partnerships. Our apprenticeship provision is well‑established and aligned to regional and national skills priorities, supporting key sectors such as engineering and manufacturing that drive productivity and economic growth in the North East.

Why study this unit?

This training will enable employees to develop mechanised welding capabilities for production environments, supporting consistency, quality, inspection and safer working practices.

Who is it for?

Employed welders who need to upskill to mechanised welding.

Entry Requirements

Employed with a Level 1 Award in Welding or equivalent industry experience. Good eyesight and physical steadiness. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Health and safety/PPE
• Preparing welding materials and work area
• Setting and operating welding equipment
• Mechanised welding processes for different joint configurations/positions
• Identifying defects
• Visual inspection and dimensional checks.

Employer Considerations

• Participants will need a minimum of 90 training hours.
• Employee release and practical requirements will likely need planning.
• Training includes a skills test that will need employer validation.

Duration/Delivery

• The training is delivered over a minimum of 90 hours.
• The delivery model is flexible and short.
• We can tailor the training content to your specific welding processes.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Gateshead College provides an outstanding environment for developing advanced skills in mechanised welding, combining industry‑standard facilities, expert teaching and strong employer partnerships. Our apprenticeship provision is closely aligned to regional and national skills priorities in engineering and manufacturing, ensuring that training directly supports sectors critical to productivity, infrastructure and economic growth.

Why study this unit?

This training will improve electrical assembly capability, safe working, testing discipline and first-line fault finding for manufacturing and engineering operations.

Who is it for?

Existing employed engineering operatives and technicians who need to upskill in electrical fitting and assembly fundamentals.

Entry Requirements

Some engineering operative/technician experience expected. Over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Health and safety
• Interpreting electrical specifications/drawings
• Planning electrical activities
• Selecting tools/equipment
• Wiring, routing and terminating cable types
• Electrical fitting/assembly
• Testing
• Fault diagnosis.

Employer Considerations

• A minimum of 70 training hours.
• The training will include a skills test which will need validating by the employer.
• Planning for employee release and impact on output/productivity.

Duration/Delivery

• Delivered over 70 hours.
• The delivery model is short and flexible.
• Content can be tailored to your components and systems.

What next?

Training could support progression into electrical engineering/manufacturing roles, maintenance routes or wider engineering apprenticeship pathways.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Training with Gateshead College gives you access to specialist workshops, industry-standard equipment and high-quality learning resources. Supported by experienced, industry-qualified staff, employees will develop the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace.

Why study this unit?

This programme enables qualified electricians to respond to EV infrastructure demand and apply skills quickly to installation, testing, maintenance and compliance activities.

Who is it for?

Employed qualified electricians who need to install, inspect, test and maintain commercial EV charger units.

Entry Requirements

Employed, qualified electrician. Aged over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Health and safety/legislation
• Mathematical, electrical and scientific principles
• EV charge point equipment types and requirements
• Design, planning, installation and commissioning
• Fault-finding, inspection, testing and maintenance
• Records and digital communication.

Employer Considerations

• Minimum of 35 hours of protected time to complete the training.
• Training includes a skills test which will need employer validation.
• Planning for employee release from daily duties.

Duration/Delivery

• Delivered over 70 hours.
• The delivery model is short and flexible.
• Content can be tailored to your components and systems.

What next?

Could link to electrical upskilling, green technologies, EV infrastructure work or installation and maintenance electrician-related development.

Why choose Gateshead College?

By choosing Gateshead College you’re giving your employees access to specialist workshops, industry-standard equipment and high-quality learning resources. Supported by experienced, industry-qualified staff, employees will develop the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace.

Why study this unit?

Expand your operations into solar PV work and strengthen installation, testing, maintenance and compliance capability in response to green skills demand.

Who is it for?

Employed, fully qualified electricians who need to upskill in solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance fundamentals.

Entry Requirements

Fully qualified, employed electricians. Aged over 19 years old.

What is taught?

• Solar PV health and safety/legislation
• Electrical/scientific principles
• PV components and requirements
• Design, planning, installation and commissioning
• Fault finding, inspection, testing and maintenance
• Documentation and digital communication.

Employer Considerations

• A minimum of 35 hours of protected training time.
• Training includes a skills test that must be validated by the employer.

Duration/Delivery

• Delivered over 35 hours.
• Training can be structured around employer availability.
• Content can be tailored around a residential or commercial context.

What next?

Could link to broader renewables, green construction, battery storage/EV integration or electrical progression routes.

Why choose Gateshead College?

Choose Gateshead College for your training and give your employees access to specialist workshops, industry-standard equipment and high-quality learning resources. Supported by experienced, industry-qualified staff, employees develop the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in your workplace.