Apprenticeships and Training Conference

Opportunities and challenges in a new political landscape

As the UK navigates a new political era, the apprenticeships and training sector faces significant opportunities and complex challenges. This panel discussion brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the current state of apprenticeships and workforce development.

During this session, Freya Thomas Monk, Pearson’s Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, emphasised the importance of drawing on data and AI in innovative ways to allow us to move towards more personalised and modular learning.

Despite a changing landscape for the sector, Freya also emphasised how important it is for the narrative to have a focus on the achievement and impact of apprenticeships.

For our second workshop of the conference, colleagues from Yorkshire Learning Providers, Greater Manchester Colleges, and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority joined us to explore localised education.

The panel emphasised their support for devolution, recognised its inherent challenges, and the importance of investing in skills to secure growth in our communities. The discussion also explored how giving local authorities the freedom and flexibility to explore solutions that are best for them, is where the exciting things are happening with devolution. The panel suggested that more risks need to be taken – less regulation in instances where a local authority is trialling something that works for them in a more flexible setting.

“It’s absolutely vital that what we’re delivering meets the needs of the local economy and meets the needs of the people undertaking the courses so they can fill the jobs that are there."

Richard Caulfield, Senior Policy Manager Greater Manchester Colleges on the panel