Agenda

• The value of apprenticeships to the economy
• Challenges facing the current apprenticeships system
• The future of apprenticeships and the reforms they need

• Where the programme is now
• Reaching and serving SMEs
• Providers at the centre of a system that reinforces quality improvement
• Simplifying the system

• Offering a progress report on the ongoing pilot of the new funding band recommendation process and how this will inform the new model
• Examining the implementation timetable on changes to degree apprenticeships and how programme approvals will be made under the new policy
• Setting out the final stages of the transition of the external quality assurance (EQA) system and what the approach now looks like
• Exploring the Institute’s approach to building a more integrated skills system

Led by UCAS data insights, this session will examine the past, present and future of apprenticeships, and what this means for recruitment in the NHS.

This session will update you on Ofqual’s approach to external quality assurance of Apprenticeships and the benefits its regulation brings to apprentices and employers.

The session will focus on Ofqual’s EQA activities including recognition of EPAOs as part of EQA transition, engagement with EPAOs, the field team and other regulatory activity and how this oversight ensures quality in the Apprenticeship system.

The session will examine the needs of employers for skills and productivity as they grapple with massive uncertainty in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The keynote will consider how demand in the labour market is changing and how the apprenticeships system can match the needs of all employers.

The session will assess:

• The role apprenticeships play in developing the skills employers need
• The productivity challenge that businesses face in today’s economy
• What’s needed to make apprenticeships work for small businesses

• Examining the development of apprenticeships uptakes in the post-pandemic landscape and how apprenticeships can be placed at the heart of recovery
• Exploring the barriers to non-levy payers and the challenges for SME’s in supporting growth
• Assessing the collapse in apprenticeships starts at entry-level and amongst the under 25’s and how the apprenticeship market can be rebalanced
• Evaluating what the Levelling Up White Paper means for apprenticeships and what to expect from the investment of £3.8bn in skills planned by 2024-25

Apprenticeships and skills are at the heart of the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ white paper and central to its ambition to tackle regional inequality. This session will examine how ‘Levelling Up’ can be delivered in practice across the apprenticeship system.

• Tackling the regional and local imbalances in apprenticeship uptake
• Challenging the disparity between large employers and non-levy paying SMEs in the apprenticeship market
• Improving access for disadvantaged groups with greater support for entry-level roles
• Delivering an apprenticeships model which serves regional economies and local skills needs

This expert-led discussion will assess how programme delivery has transformed as a result of the pandemic and what the post Covid- apprenticeship should look like. The session will examine:

• The future of blended delivery models and the next steps for enhancement
• Re-evaluating programme design, curriculum and pedagogy to match the demands of new hybrid models
• Improving the synergies between ‘on the job’ and ‘off the job’ training
• Exploring how the apprentice journey from entry to employment can be reassessed to enhance engagement and outcomes
• Embedding the voice of the apprentice into models of co-production

• What does high quality look like within the end point assessment system and what are the expectations of EPAOs?
• How can providers and employers effectively prepare apprentices for end point assessment throughout the programme lifecycle?
• How can the flexibilities and adjustments made amid the Covid-19 pandemic add long term value to the end point assessment system?
• Forming effective relationships with EPAOs and designing approaches to prepare for diverse assessment methods

*Programme subject to change

In addition to the main plenary, you will be able to sign up for dedicated workshops for employers and providers which explore enhancing practice.

DELIVERY AND PRACTICE

FUNDING AND CONTRACTING

QUALITY AND STANDARDS

This session will now appear as a recorded session following the Conference.

*Programme subject to change