Morning, Monday, 9th September 2024
Online
This conference will consider next steps for the implementation of reform to qualifications at Level 2 and below in England.
With the Labour Party having put forward plans for the creation of Skills England, Technical Excellence Colleges and reform to the Apprenticeship Levy, alongside pausing and reviewing the defunding process for qualifications at Level 3, and employer engagement in the skills system being highlighted as a focus, it will be an opportunity to consider new policy priorities in this area for the new Government.
With reformed qualifications at Level 2 currently scheduled to be introduced on a phased approach between 2025 and 2027, delegates will look at how best to prepare providers for delivery. The agenda will bring out latest thinking on improving the attainment and progression of learners, and assessing capacity within the qualifications landscape to effectively implement proposed reform.
There will be discussion on how to improve the accessibility of qualifications for disadvantaged students and students with SEND. Delegates will consider the role of careers hubs and guidance in aiding student progression to Level 3 and helping students navigate the reformed qualification landscape, as well as priorities for upskilling and retraining among the teacher workforce.
Delegates will also consider the efficacy of the T Level Foundation Year in preparing students for progression to T Levels, in light of concerns over low numbers of students successfully progressing from the foundation level.
Further sessions will discuss the use of Level 2 qualifications to plug local and national skills gaps, including how providers and awarding bodies can better meet the needs of employers and learners, looking at approaches to ensure that taught content is applicable in relevant industries and sectors moving forward.
The agenda also includes discussion on routes and rates of progression to apprenticeships and other technical qualifications at Level 3, as well as pathways into skilled employment for learners.
We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Helen Kemplay, Head, Post-16 Qualifications Reform at Level 2 and Below, Department for Education; Karl Anderson, Head, Qualifications Policy, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education; Jennifer Burden, Director, Programmes, Gatsby Charitable Foundation; and Ciaran Roche, Public Affairs Manager, Association of Employment and Learning Providers.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- reform: priorities for the Level 2 qualification market moving forward - immediate policy options - preparation for delivery - student options - policy priorities for the future qualification landscape
- quality and standards: exploring best practice in Level 2 teaching and learning - preparing providers for delivery of the reformed qualifications due in 2025 - upskilling and retraining the workforce
- student progression: examining progression routes to Level 3 qualifications - assessing the impact of the T Level Foundation Programme - aiding student progression into further education and employment
- partnerships: how providers and awarding bodies can work with employers - meeting the needs of students and employers - aligning Level 2 qualifications with local and national skills gaps - green skills
- accessibility: improving support for learners in navigating the qualification landscape - improving accessibility for learners with additional needs
The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DfE; DBT; DSIT; GLD; HMPPS; and RAF.
The proceedings of the conference will be circulated more widely, to Parliamentarians, ministerial offices, and government and regulatory officials with an interest in the issues being discussed. All delegates will also receive a video recording of the conference.
