WORKSHOP Sessions
Day 2
10:05 – 11:05 (TBC)
The following workshops will take place during this session
Understanding Apprenticeship Units
Assessment & Quality
Session 4
This workshop will explore the policy intent behind Apprenticeship Units, providing clarity on their role in strengthening programme delivery and learner outcomes. Participants will be guided through the available support toolkit, highlighting practical resources to aid understanding and consistent application. The session will include a recap of key principles, followed by a focused discussion on implementation approaches within operational settings. Particular attention will be given to quality considerations, including assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
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.
State of the skills sector 2026: Provider views on performance, reform and the future of skills
Funding & Policy
Session 4
Join Bud and AELP as we review the key findings from the 2026 State of the Sector Survey and what they reveal about provider confidence, priorities and future planning.
Drawing on insights from senior leaders across the skills and education sector, this session will examine how providers are responding to funding pressures, policy reform and shifting employer demand while maintaining strong organisational performance.
Through practical discussions and interactive exercises, we’ll explore where confidence is strongest, where uncertainty is creating planning risk and how providers can turn strategic confidence into operational readiness.
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.
New Horizons: International Opportunities for UK Skills Providers – India in Focus
Growth
Session 4
A practical exploration of international opportunities through a single, high-interest market (India), using recent in-market insight and sector experience. Looking at broader support available, market access and optimising help and support available etc
Reimagining Personal Development- Moving from Compliance to Culture
Teaching & Learning
Session 4
Personal development has become a key priority across further education, yet many learners still experience it as something that is delivered to them rather than designed with them. This interactive workshop explores how providers can move beyond compliance-driven approaches and create personal development programmes that are relational, culturally aware and embedded within wider college culture. Drawing on practical experience leading an Ofsted outstanding provision, participants will hear directly from students, take part in a learner-led activity and explore how student voice, relevance and meaningful engagement can transform outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen impact within their own settings.
Using AI to support assessment and feedback. Lessons from the Jisc assessment pilot.
Technology & Innovation
Session 4
The session will include a demonstration of tools that have been used in the project. It will also examine lessons learnt about how to successfully implement an AI / Human in the loop approach to assessment and feedback.