Morning, Tuesday, 21st October 2025
Online
This conference will examine the evolving direction of degree apprenticeships in England, in light of new government reform and the changing needs of learners and employers across the country’s national skills landscape.
Policymakers and key stakeholders will discuss the practical impact of recent developments and their implications for long-term planning and access. The conference will take place following the introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy, the operationalisation of Skills England as a central policy body, and the outcomes of the recent Spending Review - which together signal a shift toward new funding priorities, greater flexibility in training, and changes to eligibility for higher-level apprenticeships.
The agenda includes a focus on next steps for shaping apprenticeship policy, approaches for aligning provision with sector and regional needs, and options for simplifying delivery, assessment, and funding. Attendees will explore how degree apprenticeships can continue to support entry to professional careers, widen participation, address local labour market demands, and adapt to new requirements around data, evaluation, and quality assurance.
Further discussion is expected on the future role of universities and employers in delivering sustainable apprenticeship pathways, including issues with employer engagement, the impact on SMEs, support for underrepresented groups, and lessons from recent pilots and best practice.
Delegates will also consider the place of degree apprenticeships in lifelong learning and workforce development, and the way forward for ensuring ongoing relevance and positive outcomes for learners, providers, and employers.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- implementation of government policy: immediate and longer-term effects of the Growth and Skills Levy, Spending Review, and Skills England reforms - priorities for system alignment, funding allocation, and sector response
- eligibility for higher-level apprenticeships: implications of revised funding rules and age restrictions - sector concerns around skills gaps, professional entry routes, and the viability of provision
- adaptation to local and sector needs: strategies for matching apprenticeship programmes to regional economic priorities, labour market demands, and priority growth sectors - options for supporting devolved and localised approaches
- university and employer roles: expectations for partnership models, pathways to sustainable provision, and lessons from modular or foundation pilots - approaches to supporting progression and retention
- data and evaluation requirements: use of evidence and monitoring to improve access, delivery, and outcomes - opportunities for publishing more granular socioeconomic data to inform policy
- SME participation: addressing administrative and financial barriers - opportunities to use levy flexibilities and targeted support to encourage engagement from smaller employers
- access and diversity: options for widening participation among underrepresented, disabled, or disadvantaged groups - potential impact of policy changes on gender, social mobility, and regional equity
- future of lifelong learning: links between degree apprenticeships, continuous professional development, and emerging models such as micro-credentials - approaches for maintaining system flexibility and quality
