Funded Courses:
ILM Level 5 for AI-Savvy Managers

> Funding: £18,000

> Duration: 18 Months

Course Overview

The ILM Level 5 for AI-Savvy Managers programme develops the leadership capability, operational confidence and practical AI implementation skills required to manage high-performing teams in a rapidly evolving digital workplace.

Combining the respected ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification with the practical AI-Savvy Manager framework, the programme equips managers to improve operational performance, lead organisational change and support responsible AI adoption across teams and departments.

Managers learn how to evaluate AI technologies practically, identify opportunities for operational improvement and integrate automation into day-to-day workflows, reporting processes and team management activities. The programme moves beyond basic AI tool usage, focusing instead on how modern managers can use AI to improve productivity, communication, decision-making and operational efficiency.

An immersive two-day AI management masterclass establishes practical foundations in leadership, AI capability and operational transformation. Monthly management modules then explore areas including:

  • AI governance and responsible workplace usage
  • Operational improvement and workflow automation
  • Team leadership and performance management
  • Change management and stakeholder communication
  • Data-driven decision-making and reporting
  • Risk management, compliance and responsible AI implementation

Each stage of the programme includes practical workplace application, allowing managers to implement real operational improvement projects throughout their learning journey.

A strategically focused final project enables learners to consolidate both their ILM Level 5 leadership development and AI-Savvy Manager capability into a measurable workplace improvement initiative that delivers genuine operational impact.

Ethical governance, data protection, responsible innovation and people-focused leadership are embedded throughout the programme, ensuring managers can modernise operations confidently while maintaining strong organisational values and compliance standards.

By completion, managers are equipped not only to adapt to AI-driven change, but to confidently lead teams, improve operational performance and support organisational transformation with clarity, confidence and commercial awareness.

Eligibility Criteria

  • UK/EU Citizen for 3+ years
  • Work 16+ hours per week on average
  • Employed on a PAYE Scheme
  • Not on any other government-funded course
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Employer Benefits: After Course Completion

Employers benefit from managers who can combine strong operational leadership with practical AI implementation skills, helping teams improve performance, efficiency and innovation while supporting responsible digital transformation across the organisation.

Through the combination of the ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification and the AI-Savvy Manager programme, organisations benefit from managers who can strengthen team performance, improve operational delivery and confidently support AI adoption within day-to-day business operations.

Employers benefit from staff who:

  • Identify high-impact AI, automation and operational improvement opportunities
  • Evaluate digital tools and AI solutions from a practical and commercial perspective
  • Align AI initiatives with departmental objectives, operational plans and business priorities
  • Lead team-based change and operational transformation initiatives with confidence
  • Implement structured AI governance, compliance and responsible usage practices
  • Apply modern management techniques to improve productivity, engagement and operational performance
  • Build innovation-focused team cultures while maintaining strong people management
  • Strengthen operational effectiveness through smarter workflows and AI-enhanced processes
  • Communicate digital transformation initiatives clearly to teams and stakeholders

The programme provides:

  • Consultancy-style management and transformation support throughout the 18 month programme
  • A blend of ILM Level 5 leadership development and practical AI-Savvy Manager learning
  • Hands-on workplace projects focused on solving real operational and team challenges
  • Leadership coaching, peer collaboration and management mentoring
  • Opportunities to improve workflows, automate reporting and enhance operational efficiency
  • Practical experience supporting digital transformation and organisational change initiatives
  • Structured support translating management theory into measurable workplace improvements
  • Development of operational planning, decision-making and performance management capability
  • Exposure to modern management approaches designed for AI-enabled workplaces

Employers typically see:

  • Stronger operational leadership capability across management teams
  • Increased confidence in AI adoption, workflow improvement and digital transformation activity
  • Faster access to meaningful reporting, operational insights and team performance data
  • Improved organisational productivity and efficiency through smarter operational processes
  • More coordinated, policy-led AI implementation rather than fragmented experimentation
  • Managers reclaiming time from repetitive reporting, administration and operational tasks
  • Improved workforce engagement and stronger communication across teams
  • Better alignment between technology investment, operational goals and service delivery
  • Increased resilience and adaptability within fast-changing operational environments

The programme supports:

  • Responsible, ethical and commercially focused AI implementation within operational teams
  • Long-term operational improvement and organisational innovation
  • Management succession planning and leadership development
  • Sustainable organisational transformation and workplace modernisation
  • Strong governance, compliance and risk-aware operational decision-making
  • The development of future-ready managers equipped for AI-enabled workplaces
  • A culture of continuous improvement, innovation and high-performance team leadership
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Who is This Course For

Designed for ambitious managers and senior operational leaders responsible for improving team performance, driving operational efficiency and supporting organisational transformation in the AI era.

This course is ideal for:

  • Operations Managers, Department Managers and Team Leaders
  • Managers responsible for improving operational performance and productivity
  • Senior professionals leading teams through organisational change initiatives
  • Managers looking to integrate AI into operational delivery and team workflows
  • Organisations seeking structured, practical and commercially focused AI adoption
  • Aspiring senior managers preparing for broader leadership responsibilities

This programme aligns with nationally recognised AI and digital occupational standards and promotes ethical, compliant and strategically responsible AI leadership.

Typical Job Roles Include:

  • Operations Manager
  • Department Manager
  • Senior Team Leader
  • Business Manager
  • Service Delivery Manager
  • Regional or Area Manager
  • Transformation or Change Manager
  • Operational Improvement Lead
  • Digital Operations or Workflow Manager

This course is suitable for employers operating in:

  • Professional & Business Services
  • Financial & Accountancy Services
  • Healthcare & Adult Care
  • Education & Training
  • Public Sector & Local Government
  • Manufacturing & Engineering
  • Technology & Digital Industries
  • Corporate, SME and Multi-Site Organisations

Preparation and Support

Throughout the programme, learners are supported to:

  • Build evidence of competence
  • Prepare for assessment requirements
  • Understand what to expect at EPA

This ensures apprentices approach the End Point Assessment with confidence and clarity.

Candidate Enrolment Form

Funding at a Glance

Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles, promotions and long-term career progression within their organisations.

Funding Stream

  1. Apprenticeships (see the detail on funding
  2. Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  3. Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA)
  4. Advanced Learner Loans
  5. Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
  6. Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Who It is For

  1. New or existing employees (in England)
  2. Adults 19+ meeting eligibility criteria
  3. Learners in devolved regions (within the UK)
  4. Individuals 19+ studying Level 3–6
  5. Learners requiring additional support (contact us for more information)
  6. Health and Adult Social Care Workforce

Who Pays

  1. Government via DAS (levy or co-investment)
  2. Government (National or devolved AEB)
  3. Regional government allocation
  4. Government-backed loan (repayable)
  5. Government support funding
  6. NHS funding contribution (national or devolved AEB)

Best Used For

  1. Structured role-based development aligned to occupational standards
  2. Entry-level qualifications, sector skills, career progression
  3. Skills aligned to local labour market priorities
  4. Professional qualifications where grant funding not available
  5. Removing barriers to participation and achievement
  6. Regulated roles and sector-specific qualifications

Employer Contribution

  1. Levy funds or typically 5% co-investment (if non-levy). This if  fully funded for under 22 year olds
  2. Often fully funded (subject to eligibility)
  3. Often fully or partially funded
  4. No employer cost (loan repaid by learner when eligible)
  5. No additional employer cost
  6. Reduces employer training costs (contact us for more detailed information)

Cost-Effective Recruitment

A Cost-Effective Way to Recruit and Develop Talent

Apprenticeships are one of the most financially supported recruitment routes available to UK employers.

£1,000 Government Incentive

Receive a £1,000 incentive when you recruit an apprentice aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an EHCP or care leaver status.

NI Contribution Exemption

Employers are exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under 25, provided they earn under the Upper Secondary Threshold.

95–100% Funded Training

Training costs are typically 95–100% government funded for non-levy paying employers — making apprenticeships significantly more cost-effective than traditional recruitment.

Proven Retention & Growth

Apprenticeships improve retention, engagement and progression. You build capability tailored to your business from day one.

How We Work

Ready to Recruit an Apprentice?

Submit your vacancy details and our team takes care of the rest. We make the process simple, compliant and commercially focused.

01

Review

We review your role for apprenticeship alignment and suitability.

02

Refine

Support you in refining the job description if needed to attract the right candidates.

03

Advertise

We advertise and promote your vacancy across our candidate network.

04

Screen

We screen and shortlist candidates based on your requirements.

05

Onboard

We guide you through the onboarding and funding process end-to-end.

What Makes Our Programmes Different?

We don’t take you out of your role — we develop you within it.

Our programmes are designed for people already in work, helping you build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform at a higher level. Everything you learn is applied directly to your day-to-day responsibilities, so the impact is immediate, practical and measurable.

From enrolment through to completion, we support both you and your employer to ensure the training delivers real value.

Need more information or to discuss a way forward?

If you are not sure on what course may suit you, funding or how it all works, then get in touch and we can help and support and help you on your journey.