This conference will examine next steps for apprenticeship quality and funding in England, and the way forward for government policy, as ministers consider reform options for the Apprenticeship Levy and wider skills system - including issues around access, employer engagement, and alignment with national priorities.
Policy and funding
It is bringing together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the implementation and potential impact of the Government’s proposed Growth and Skills Levy to replace the Apprenticeship Levy, with ongoing debate around the balance between employer flexibility and national priorities for skills development. With the announcement in the Spring Budget of £40m for an estimated 10,000 apprenticeship places, alongside £45m for eight youth trailblazer areas, we expect discussion on how these funds will be applied in practice to address sector-specific needs and support young people at risk of becoming NEET.
Delegates will look at recently announced changes to apprenticeship funding rules, with details outlining how the £2k employer incentive announced in the Spring Statement for foundation apprenticeships will be paid. They will also look at the removal of funding for Level 7 apprenticeships, and the impact this will have on rebalancing levy funding towards training at lower levels.
Access, skills needs and employer flexibility
Implications for employer flexibility and for fulfilling essential skills needs will also be considered. The Youth Guarantee - which aims to enable every young person in England access to education or apprenticeship opportunities - will be examined, alongside potential tensions between expanding access for young people and ensuring that new opportunities meet industry demand and support meaningful progression. Sessions will discuss priorities for implementation of the Youth Guarantee and strategies for improving youth participation and social inclusion.
Apprenticeship design and qualification standards
Further sessions look at the role of Skills England and government proposals for shorter and more flexible apprenticeships, with changes to English and maths requirements, including that those undertaking foundation apprenticeships will continue to study English and Maths as part of their courses but not have to sit tests, with the aim of allowing more apprentices to qualify sooner and focus on their paid work. It comes with concern from some that the changes may affect rigour, recognition, and employer confidence.
As part of a focus on improving standards, delegates will assess the impact of recent and proposed developments on apprenticeship quality. Discussion will include priorities for managing the transition to Skills England, the establishment of foundation apprenticeships, and maintaining confidence in the system, alongside concerns relating to qualifications, changes to English and maths requirements, and support for new apprentices. Options will also be considered for strengthening apprenticeship structures and entry requirements to better meet employer needs, while ensuring a positive experience for those in training.
Funding, engagement and retention
The agenda will also bring out priorities for funding allocation, including latest thinking on increasing employer engagement with apprenticeships and tackling barriers to participation, as well as addressing low completion rates, improving retention and the potential reallocation of unspent levy funds - amid concerns about transparency, accountability, and the opportunity cost of underutilised resources.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
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Growth and Skills Levy:
- employer flexibility - safeguards against misuse of funds - channelling resources to essential skills - balance between apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship training - removal of funding for Level 7 apprenticeships
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Skills England:
- priorities - responsibilities for those eligible for the levy - addressing regional skills needs and sectoral shortages - frameworks for industry collaboration and workforce planning
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the Youth Guarantee:
- strategic options for expanding apprenticeship opportunities for young people - considering impacts of funding distribution on different age groups
- balancing employer-led training with government support for disadvantaged learners
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quality and standards:
- changes to English and maths requirements - assessing risks and benefits of shorter apprenticeships - increasing completion rates - qualifications alignment
- changes to bureaucracy involved with claiming learning support - inclusion of those with learning difficulties
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funding and SME engagement:
- allocation of levy funds - mechanisms for unspent funds, including redistribution and transparency - support for SMEs - incentivising SME participation - funding for subcontractor training
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employer participation:
- addressing barriers to business uptake - evaluating the impact of funding adjustments on large companies and SMEs
- strategic options for improving employer confidence in apprenticeship frameworks and training outcomes - reduction in administrative requirements associated with onboarding an apprentice
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retention and completion rates:
- latest thinking on underlying factors affecting completion rates - assessing strategies and best practice for improving retention
- options for improving apprenticeship structures and requirements to meet employer needs while ensuring a positive experience for those in training
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social mobility and inclusion:
- ensuring equitable access to apprenticeships - addressing the decline in participation among disadvantaged young people
- examining options for targeted strategies to support underrepresented groups in apprenticeship schemes
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from DfE; DBT; DSIT; IfATE; and GLD.
