Morning, Friday, 15th May 2026
Online
This conference will focus on the future of degree apprenticeships in England. It takes place in relation to updated apprenticeship funding rules for 2025-26, public funding eligibility rules for most new Level 7 apprenticeships from January 2026, introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy, and establishment of Skills England as the policy body responsible for assessment reform and system oversight.
Policy implications on access
The conference will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to examine implications of these developments related to the purpose, scale and sustainability of degree apprenticeships at Levels 6 and 7. Areas for discussion include the early impact of Level 7 funding changes on participation, access for mature learners, and provider financial sustainability, alongside concerns from sectors - such as construction, architecture, digital and healthcare - about the future of advanced training and leadership pathways. The potential impact on programme delivery and continuity, particularly for higher-level apprenticeships in sectors with significant employer demand, will also be considered.
Quality of provision
Discussion will consider priorities for fostering provision that is responsive and sustainable, including approaches for strengthening university and employer partnership models, building delivery capacity across regions, and opportunities for drawing on insights emerging from modular and foundation-level provision. Delegates will assess strategies for co-design, monitoring progress and embedding quality assurance, alongside options for improving access, progression and learner support. The impact of new Growth and Skills Levy flexibilities will be considered, including the introduction of shorter and more modular training units in priority areas such as AI, digital, and engineering, and their interaction with full degree apprenticeship programmes and potential influence on employer investment decisions.
Widening participation
Further sessions will examine current thinking and approaches to effective practice in inclusive recruitment, support for underrepresented groups and the way forward for promoting SME participation, as well as the integration of degree apprenticeships within access and participation plans. Delegates will consider the role of degree apprenticeships in regional skills strategies and workforce development, including their contribution to lifelong learning alongside micro-credentials and flexible delivery models. The response of providers to Skills England’s assessment reforms, including reduced minimum durations, emphasis on integrated on-programme assessment and strengthened quality assurance will also be discussed, against the backdrop of tighter funding, increased regulatory expectations and changing labour market needs.
Overview of areas for discussion
- Growth and Skills Levy:
- implications for degree apprenticeship provision - use of funds for modular or short-unit delivery - alignment with regional skills priorities - opportunities for employer engagement
- Level 7 funding:
- impact of changes on participation and access for mature learners - provider financial sustainability - sector-specific skills gaps - implications for public service and health sector training
- Skills England:
- role in assessment reform and system oversight - influence on programme availability and quality
- monitoring higher-level skills pipelines - engagement with universities, employers, and professional bodies
- employers:
- self-funded advanced training and shorter-term upskilling - maintaining high-level progression routes - advancing workforce development in priority sectors
- equity and inclusion: widening participation for underrepresented groups - support for learners without prior higher education - embedding inclusive recruitment and learner support practices
- university and employer partnerships:
- insights from effective collaborations - strategies for high-quality course design and delivery
- expansion into emerging sectors such as AI, digital, and engineering - alignment with evolving skills needs
- access and progression:
- priorities for under-25s and disadvantaged learners - SME participation - outreach initiatives - links with foundation and lower-level provision
- sustainability and funding models:
- encouraging private investment - sustaining Level 7 programmes - alternative models, including modular and flexible delivery - long-term course viability
