Help · Meridian Care · Getting started
Questions people ask
From Creative Process Digital’s getting-started guide for employers.
What does this actually cost us?
For most employers, nothing. If you do not pay the levy the government funds it in full. If you do pay the levy it comes out of the account you already contribute to. There is one case where a small capped contribution applies, and it is set out under What if we don’t have any funds? See how the funding works.
Is this an apprenticeship?
No. These are standalone apprenticeship units, funded through the same government system. There is no end-point assessment and no minimum twelve-month duration. It is eight weekly sessions; the work finishes within 16 weeks.
What do our people come away with?
Three Level 5 AI units: AI strategy and opportunity, AI adoption, procurement and governance, and AI delivery and organisational transformation. Level 5 is the same level as a Higher National Diploma. No exam, no essay.
How is it assessed?
Practically. Four pieces of work each person builds from their own job during the course, plus a five-question multiple-choice test at the end of each session. Creative Process Digital marks them. Anyone who falls short can resit inside the planned duration at no charge.
How much time does it take each week?
Two hours live on the Thursday, plus set tasks through the week applied to the person’s own work. The tasks are the training, not homework on top of it, which is why the funding rules require them to happen in paid working hours rather than in the evening.
Do our people have to be in England?
Yes. The company must be registered in England with a PAYE scheme, and each person must spend at least half their working hours in England. This funding does not cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What if someone leaves partway through?
Tell us early and we will work something out. Nothing in the Employer Agreement creates a financial liability for you if a person withdraws or leaves employment. Most of the funding reaches the provider only on completion, which is why we ask you to pick people who will still be with you at the end of the course.
What if someone misses a session?
Every session is recorded and sits in the online classroom, and a tutor is available on working days. Missing one is recoverable. Missing several is not, so tell us early rather than at the end.
Can a director or business owner take part?
Ask us. The rules turn on the person’s role and their payroll status, and Creative Process Digital makes the final call at enrolment. We would rather look at the specific case than give you a rule of thumb that turns out to be wrong.
Do they need paid AI accounts?
Each person needs a working account on the AI tool used through the course. We confirm exactly what is needed, and who provides it, before the start.
We only have a handful of people. Is that a problem?
No. Cohorts run with small numbers from several employers as well as with one employer’s own group.
Who do we contact if we get stuck?
Your account manager at Creative Process Digital, at any point. For the government account itself the national helpdesk is 08000 150 600.
Still got a question?
The funding, who is eligible, the dates, or whether this is right for your team at all.