Morning, Thursday, 18th September 2025
Online
This conference will consider next steps skills in the AI era and implications for policy, learning, training, and the labour market.
It will bring together key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss what will be needed for education and skills policy, and for the affected societal groups and sectors to adapt to the rising use of AI, alongside national ambitions for inclusion, innovation and economic resilience.
Delegates will consider issues within the context of recent developments including the AI Opportunities Action Plan, Ofsted’s independent review of AI in education, the growing role of Skills England, and the Prime Minister’s speech at London Tech Week in June 2025 announcing plans for a new tech-first training programme for young people. Areas for discussion include approaches to incorporating AI within the curriculum and teacher training, building a pipeline of digital and technical skills, and ensuring that policy keeps pace with the changing demands of employers, public services, and the wider economy.
Sessions will assess how the skills and qualifications system need to develop in a way that is agile, inclusive, and fit for the future. We expect discussion on reform of the apprenticeship levy, the development of AI-specific pathways and micro-credentials, and improving access and progression for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Attendees will also assess how national and regional skills requirements and talent pathways can be better coordinated, and how partnerships between education, industry, and government could be strengthened to support workforce development.
Further discussion is expected on digital equity and social mobility, including how to close longstanding gaps in access to technology and training, widen participation in AI careers, and promote responsible use of emerging technologies in both schools and workplaces.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- policy coordination: the AI Opportunities Action Plan - Ofsted’s AI review - the role of Skills England - rollout of TechFirst, TechGrad, TechExpert, and TechLocal - responsibilities across central government and delivery bodies - timing and alignment of aims
- standards and regulation: inspection and accountability frameworks for AI use in schools - safeguarding, data use, and algorithmic transparency - considering sector readiness for implementation
- infrastructure and access: implications of digital standards for schools and colleges - readiness to meet connectivity targets - practical considerations around rollout, cost, and support
- governance and leadership: school and college leaders setting of AI policy - decision-making structures for approving classroom use - access to expert guidance and risk management tools
- AI and qualifications: achieving innovation and consistency in qualification design - learner progression and recognition by employers - integration of ethical, technical, and applied elements
- short-course and modular routes: scope of the Growth and Skills Levy in supporting new forms of provision - role of micro-credentials and digital badges - funding rules and quality assurance
- industry collaboration: frameworks for involving employers in shaping AI skills provision - building on current partnerships - addressing sector-specific needs and regional variation
- workforce: implications of AI for roles and training in the private and public sectors - adapting existing workforce strategies to take account of emerging technology
