Apprenticeship Units
Develop specific skills through employer-supported, work-based learning at LSBUFlexible, focused skills development for working professionals
Develop specific workplace skills through short, employer-supported apprenticeship units at London South Bank University Group.
Apprenticeship units offer a flexible way for employers to respond to emerging skills needs without requiring employees to undertake a full apprenticeship programme. Each unit focuses on a defined area of occupational knowledge and skills and is designed so that learning can be applied directly in the workplace.
At LSBU Group, apprenticeship units combine academic-level learning with practical workplace application, helping employees develop capability that can make an immediate contribution to their organisation.
What is an apprenticeship unit?
An apprenticeship unit is a focused programme of learning based on specific knowledge and skills approved by Skills England.
Unlike a full apprenticeship, which develops competence across an entire occupation, an apprenticeship unit allows an employee to develop capability in a particular area.
This makes apprenticeship units particularly suitable for employers looking to:
- respond to an emerging workforce or technology need;
- develop a specific capability across a team;
- provide focused professional development for existing employees;
- apply learning directly to organisational priorities; and
- make targeted use of available apprenticeship funding.
Designed around work
Apprenticeship units are designed for employed learners.
At LSBU Group, this means learning is closely connected to the participant's role and organisation. Depending on the unit, delivery may include face-to-face workshops, online learning, independent study and structured workplace application.
Assessment is also designed to have practical value. Rather than focusing only on academic exercises, learners may develop workplace reports, strategies, frameworks, implementation plans or other professional outputs relevant to their organisation.
The LSBU Group apprenticeship-unit model deliberately places workplace application at the centre of the learning experience.
Flexible learning for employers
Apprenticeship units give employers greater flexibility to develop the skills their workforce needs.
An employee may undertake a single unit where a specific capability is required. Where appropriate, employers may also select a combination of units to create a broader development pathway.
This can make apprenticeship units particularly effective for dedicated employer cohorts, enabling a group of employees to develop common capabilities around a shared organisational priority.
Employer-led and workplace focused
Employers play an important role in the programme.
Learners will normally need an appropriate workplace context in which they can apply their learning, together with employer support. Some units also require an identified workplace sponsor, such as the learner's line manager, to support workplace application and validation.
This helps ensure that development is connected to organisational priorities and that employers benefit directly from the learning.
Funding apprenticeship units
Eligible apprenticeship units can be funded through the Growth and Skills Levy and managed through the employer's Apprenticeship Service account.The level of funding available varies according to the apprenticeship unit.Eligibility requirements also vary, so LSBU Group will work with employers and prospective learners to confirm the appropriate funding arrangements before enrolment.Eligible learners are not expected to pay for apprenticeship-unit training themselves.
Who are apprenticeship units for?
Apprenticeship units are intended for people who are already employed and need to develop specific occupational knowledge and skills.
Individual entry requirements vary by unit and may include requirements relating to:
- age;
- employment status;
- occupational role;
- level of responsibility;
- opportunity to apply the learning in the workplace; and
- employer endorsement.
Full eligibility requirements are shown on each individual apprenticeship-unit page.
Study an apprenticeship unit at LSBU
London South Bank University brings together academic expertise, applied research and extensive experience of working with employers and apprentices.
Our approach is designed around three principles:
Applied learning – connecting learning to genuine workplace challenges.
Employer relevance – developing capabilities that address organisational and workforce priorities.
Flexible development – enabling employers to select focused learning according to their skills needs.
Apprenticeship units may also provide a route into further professional learning, higher-level study or a full apprenticeship where appropriate.
Apprenticeship units for your organisation
Develop a dedicated employer cohort
LSBU can work with employers to develop apprenticeship-unit cohorts around organisational and workforce priorities.
Depending on the unit, we may be able to contextualise case studies, workplace activities and applied learning around your organisation or sector while maintaining the approved apprenticeship-unit requirements.
This can provide an effective way to develop capability across a leadership team, department or wider workforce.
Interested in apprenticeship units?
For employers
Our Business Engagement, Skills & Training team can help you understand:
- which apprenticeship units could meet your workforce needs;
- employee eligibility;
- available funding;
- dedicated employer cohorts; and
- progression opportunities across LSBU.
For employees
If you are interested in undertaking an apprenticeship unit, speak to your employer or line manager about whether the programme is suitable for your role.
In this section
- Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship Standards
- Apprenticeship Units
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Standards
- What is an apprenticeship?
- Why apprenticeships?
- How to apply
- Eligibility requirements
- Apprenticeship vacancies
- Apprenticeships Student Guide (PDF document)
- Apprenticeships Customer Services Charter (PDF document)
- Register your interest for Apprenticeship courses
- Apprentice Welcome Information
- Contact us