What is the AI Skills Boost programme?

AI Skills Boost is a government-backed programme offering free AI skills courses through participating organisations. Employers should check the live programme page for available courses, learner eligibility and delivery arrangements.

AI training funding finder

Q: Can I use Growth and Skills Levy funds for AI training?

Levy-account funds can pay for an approved apprenticeship standard or approved apprenticeship unit when the learner, employer, provider and product meet the applicable rules. For full-apprenticeship starts from 1 August 2026, an employer with insufficient levy funds pays 25% of eligible costs and government pays 75%, up to the funding band; earlier starts follow the rules that apply to their start date.

Q: What are Skills Bootcamps and can I use them for AI training?

Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. Course availability, employer contributions and outcome commitments vary by funded contract and learner route, so employers should verify the current course listing and provider terms rather than assume a single national rate.

Compare five potential UK routes for AI training. The result is a shortlist, not a funding decision: exact eligibility depends on the live product, provider, learner and start-date rules.

Your organisation

Apprenticeship levy status

Number of employees to train in AI

Desired training depth

Timescale for training

Expected apprenticeship or unit start

Learner age at full-apprenticeship start

Levy-account funds for the full cost

Could your AI use fall within EU AI Act Article 2?

Funding routes

Complete the form to see your eligible funding routes.

All 5 UK AI training funding routes explained

1. AI Skills Boost programme

Government-backed AI skills courses delivered through participating organisations. Check the live programme page for current courses, learner eligibility and delivery arrangements.

2. Growth and Skills Levy

Levy-account funds can pay for eligible approved apprenticeships and units. One current AI example is ST1512 AI and Automation Practitioner v2.1, Level 4. Funds entering accounts through 31 July 2026 retain a 24-month expiry; new funds from 1 August have a 12-month expiry and no 10% top-up.

3. Approved apprenticeship units

The current AI leadership units are AU0009, AU0010 and AU0011. Each is Level 5, has at least 30 delivery hours and a £750 maximum. Learners must be employed, aged 19+ and meet the unit's role criteria.

4. Skills Bootcamps

Flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. Availability, employer contribution and outcome commitments vary by funded contract and learner route; check the live listing and provider terms.

5. Co-investment (non-levy)

For full-apprenticeship starts from 1 August 2026, non-levy employers pay 5% for learners aged 25+; eligible 16–24 starts are government-funded to the band. Employers always pay costs above the band.

Funding routes and rates are subject to policy change. Verify the current GOV.UK funding rules and live product page before committing to a training programme.

Ready to build your funded AI training plan?

TIQ-plus works with training providers to design, deliver, and evidence funded AI programmes — handling levy claims, ILR submissions, and learner tracking in one place.

Book a demo AI reskilling blueprint