WORKSHOP Sessions
Day 1
13:40 – 14:40 (TBC)
The following workshops will take place during this session
Ask the inspector
Assessment & Quality
Session 2
This session will provide delegates with the opportunity to ask experienced inspectors questions about the inspection process.
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.
How the Premier League, Dragon’s Den and crisps can strengthen your apprenticeship offer
Funding & Policy
Session 2
In this session, hear how COPA are working with Premier League club foundations to help employers achieve corporate responsibility and sustainability goals through apprenticeships; including their role in the Changing the Game Professionals Programme delivered with football club charities nationwide using the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship.
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.
Inside the Employer Mindset: what drives confidence, commitment and completion
Growth
Session 2
What really drives employer confidence in apprenticeships, and where does it start to break down? This interactive panel explores the employer mindset at every stage of the journey, from onboarding to completion. Through honest employer and provider perspectives, we’ll challenge common assumptions, surface what genuinely matters day to day and highlight where approaches may need to change. Delegates will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice, share experiences and leave with clear, practical actions they can test immediately to strengthen employer relationships and improve learner outcomes.
Inclusive Teaching Under Pressure: Practical Strategies for Face-to-Face and Virtual Learning
Teaching & Learning
Session 2
Inclusive teaching is often discussed when conditions are ideal. The real challenge is maintaining participation, confidence and progress when learners experience barriers, support needs, low confidence, competing demands or digital challenges.
This practical workshop explores simple, evidence-informed approaches that help create learning environments where more learners can participate, belong and succeed. Drawing on examples from further education, apprenticeships and adult learning, delegates will explore strategies that support inclusion in both face-to-face and virtual settings. The session focuses on practical design choices, learner confidence, participation and belonging, with approaches that are valuable for all learners and vital for some.
AI That Works: Practical Strategies for Training Providers
Technology & Innovation
Session 2
AI is everywhere, but what does effective adoption actually look like for training providers?
Join Chris Greatorex and Alistair Wakefield from Bud, alongside Joshua Chesterman from Decoded, for an interactive
workshop exploring the realities of AI in the funded learning sector.
Through live audience polling, group discussion and practical exercises, they will examine where providers are on their
AI journey, separate hype from reality and explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents for learners, employers
and organisations.