Conference Zone
GEN Z
Sponsored by
NOCN GROUP
Stand 5 | Zone Sponsor | Gen Z
Beyond the Usual Suspects: How to Actually Attract Diverse Gen Z Talent
Gen Z
Session 1
Most training providers don’t struggle to get applicants — they struggle to get the right ones. Too many candidates arrive unsure of what they want, leading to poor retention, high drop-out, and missed diversity targets. In this session, Holly Hobbs (Co-Founder, urfuture) unpacks why traditional attraction methods systematically exclude high-potential Gen Z talent, and what providers can do differently. Delegates will explore practical, evidence-based strategies to reach wider, more diverse candidate pools — including those who would never find their way through conventional channels — and improve candidate quality before enrolment even begins.
From Insight to Action: Understanding the Apprentice Experience
Gen Z
Session 2
This interactive session combines national apprentice insight data with real lived experience from current apprentices.
The session will begin with AoA sharing key findings from the BIG Apprentice Survey 2026, highlighting themes around belonging, community, workplace support, line manager capability, mentoring, wellbeing and clear expectations.
Building on these findings, OuterCircle will facilitate a panel of current apprentices who will reflect on how these themes resonate with their own experiences. Panellists will discuss what has helped them succeed, where they have faced challenges, and what employers and training providers can do differently to improve apprentice experience, engagement and retention.
The session will conclude with audience discussion and practical actions that delegates can take back into their organisations.
Approaches to high quality careers education that meet the needs of the Gen Z learner
Gen Z
Session 3
In an ever changing work environment where skills needs are evolving fast, we explore how to design an effective careers strategy and programme that prepares learners to navigate their future career and is appropriate to age, stage and level, both proportionate and relevant for the duration of the programme and its intended aims. Explored in the context of the Gatsby benchmarks, we demonstrate how Learning Curve approach this in practice and provide insights, data and signposting to support and resources from the Careers and Enterprise company.
Gen Z won’t wait: what apprenticeships must do differently
Gen Z
Session 4
Join this interactive session to explore what Gen Z really wants from apprenticeships – and how providers can respond. Through live polling, a real learner case study, and facilitated discussion, we will challenge common myths and share practical insight into engagement, retention and learner expectations.
We will also reflect on current sector changes, including Foundation Apprenticeships and evolving assessment approaches, and what they mean in practice. Delegates will leave with clear, actionable ideas to better connect with Gen Z learners and improve outcomes.
Working for Young People: Creating Pathways to Employment
Gen Z
Session 5
Join The King’s Trust to explore how flexible, partnership led approaches are creating meaningful pathways to employment for young people. This session will showcase our employability support for young people aged 16–30, highlighting how collaboration with independent training providers, employers and system partners can strengthen outcomes. Featuring current examples of partnership working, we will share practical insights on embedding employability, expanding work experience opportunities, and delivering tailored support for vulnerable groups through effective partnership working.