Short, flexible, fully funded. Help your leaders get to grips with AI — without a 1-2 year commitment.
DPN is one of a select group of government-approved providers delivering the new AI Leadership Programme - a short, funded training course designed to help employed managers and leaders build practical AI knowledge quickly.
From April 2026, businesses can access 100% government funding to upskill their leadership and management teams through our AI Leadership Programme. No End-Point Assessment. No long-term commitment. Just targeted, high-quality training that makes an immediate difference.
The AI Leadership Programme
Our AI Leadership Programme takes leaders from foundational AI understanding through to confident, practical implementation. Delivered in three progressive stages over several weeks, the programme builds the knowledge and skills to lead AI strategy, manage adoption responsibly, and drive lasting organisational change.
AI Strategy and Opportunity
Build the knowledge and confidence to assess AI opportunities, evaluate risk, make the business case, and set strategic direction — even without a technical background.
AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance
Cover the practical side of bringing AI into an organisation — from vendor selection to data governance and ethical risk management.
AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation
Focus on embedding AI into operations, leading teams through transition, and monitoring outcomes — so adoption actually sticks.
Is this right for you?
The AI Leadership Programme is for employed people aged 19 or over who work in a leadership or management role. This isn't entry-level AI training. It's for people who need to lead AI decisions, not just understand them.
You're a good fit if you are:
- A senior manager, director, or team lead responsible for organisational strategy
- Working for an employer who has identified AI adoption as a business priority
- New to AI strategy — even if you're experienced in your sector
- Employed and spending at least 50% of your working hours in England
Not eligible if you are: self-employed, seeking a career change, or already have substantial AI strategy expertise.
How is it funded?
100% government funded. Your organisation pays nothing.
How it works
What to Expect
The programme is delivered live online by DPN's expert tutors — the same team behind our Ofsted Good-rated apprenticeship programmes.
| Duration | Flexible around work schedules |
| Delivery | Live, tutor-led online sessions |
| Assessment | Skills test delivered by DPN, validated by your employer — no external assessment body required |
| Outcome | A nationally recognised qualification |
Why choose DPN?
- Government-approved: DPN is one of a small number of providers nationally invited to deliver this programme
- Proven AI delivery: We deliver the Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship — this programme builds on that expertise
- Ofsted rated Good: Outstanding for Attitudes and Behaviours
- Live, expert-led training: not pre-recorded content
- Southwest specialists, UK delivery: based in Cornwall, delivering nationwide
- Straightforward process: we handle the compliance and administration
Ready to find out more?
Whether you want to enrol a single leader or build an AI-capable management team, we can help you get the right people on the programme and the funding in place.