TO BE PUBLISHED July 2025
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This conference will examine next steps for apprenticeship quality and funding in England, and the way forward for government policy.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss implementation and potential impact of the Government’s proposed Growth and Skills Levy.
Delegates will assess new funding in the sector, following the announcement of £40m to transform the Apprenticeship Levy into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy and £45m to the 8 youth trailblazer areas to provide opportunities and target those most at risk.
Areas for discussion include implications for employer flexibility and for fulfilling essential skills needs, as well as the announcement of the Youth Guarantee, aiming to give every young person access to education or apprenticeship opportunities. Sessions will discuss priorities for the implementation of the Youth Guarantee and strategies for improving youth participation and social inclusion.
We also expect discussion on the establishment of Skills England and announcements from government of shorter and more flexible apprenticeships, with changes to English and maths requirements, allowing more apprentices to qualify quicker and focus on their paid work.
The agenda will 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 unspent funds and their reallocation. Stakeholders will also assess the impact of developments on the quality of apprenticeships, addressing concerns on qualifications and supporting new apprentices.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- Growth and Skills Levy:
- implications for employer flexibility - safeguards against misuse of funds - priorities for channelling resources to essential skills - balance between apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship training
- Skills England priorities:
- responsibilities for the levy-eligible training list - addressing regional skills needs and sectoral shortages - frameworks for industry collaboration and workforce planning
- 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
- quality and standards:
- examining changes to English and maths requirements - assessing risks and benefits of shorter apprenticeships - improving completion rates and qualifications alignment
- funding distribution and SME engagement:
- allocation of levy funds - mechanisms for unspent funds - financial support for SMEs and options for incentivising their participation in apprenticeships
- 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
- 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
- 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
