Conference Zone – Collaboration & Partnership | AELP National Conference 2026

Partnerships in Practice – Transforming Skills

Collaboration & Partnership
Session 1

This workshop explores why partnerships between training providers, employers and wider stakeholders are critical in shaping a responsive and effective post-16 further education system in the UK. It will examine, via a panel of experts and training providers, how collaboration helps align training with labour market needs, improve learner outcomes, and support economic growth. Participants will consider practical approaches and provide evidence of building strong, sustainable partnerships that enhance skills development and ensure provision remains relevant, inclusive, and future-focused in a rapidly changing workforce landscape.

From advice to outcomes: joining up IAG, skills and employment

Collaboration & Partnership
Session 2

This workshop explores how education providers, employers and other key stakeholders can deliver measurable outcomes for learners—progression into sustained education, training, and employment through high quality careers education. Drawing on the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) evidence base, tools, and system-wide approach, the session will focus on how to align careers guidance with skills development and labour market need.

Connecting employability to skills: opportunities and barriers for collaboration

Collaboration & Partnership
Session 3

The Hidden Barrier to Apprenticeship Success: Financial Confidence, Wellbeing and Retention

Collaboration & Partnership
Session 4

Apprentices are becoming financially independent before they become financially literate.
New research from the Association of Apprentices, undertaken as part of a Parliamentary inquiry into financial education, reveals significant gaps in apprentices’ confidence and understanding of money, budgeting, payslips, pensions and financial wellbeing.
Drawing on findings from both the AoA Financial Education Survey and the Big Apprentice Survey, this session will explore the links between financial confidence, onboarding, learner wellbeing, engagement and retention. We’ll share what apprentices tell us helps them succeed, where providers can make the biggest difference, and how practical support at key transition points can improve the learner experience.
Delegates will leave with practical ideas they can implement immediately, alongside examples of resources, workshops and programmes available through AoA and its partners to support apprentices throughout their journey.

Collaborate with AELP

Collaboration & Partnership
Session 5

Join us for an open, informal session to explore how you can get involved with AELP.

A chance to meet the team, connect with peers, and start new conversations.

Share your views and hear from others on how we can work even more collaboratively to represent the sector voice

Find out how to engage with AELP groups, forums, networks and policy related activities

Bring your questions, ideas, feedback and experiences to help us to continuously improve.