Morning, Wednesday, 19th October 2022
This conference will be an opportunity to discuss the next steps for qualifications at level 2 and below.
It comes as the Government considers its response to the recent Department for Education consultation looking at options to streamline and simplify the qualifications landscape at levels 1, 2 and below.
Delegates will consider whether the proposed changes will succeed in delivering the policy ambition of developing a qualifications offer that provides clear choices for prospective students, with qualifications that have a distinct purpose, are of high quality and engaging, and offer clear post-qualification progression routes.
Those attending will also assess issues for implementation and any changes that might be needed.
Areas of discussion include:
- regulation - priorities for qualification at Levels 1, 2 and below ◦ supporting the instillment of quality and improvement in standards
- design - the future shape of qualifications post-consultation ◦ achieving quality & standards goals ◦ the future approval process & concerns over possible exclusion of smaller qualifications
- choice - providing prospective students with engaging options, and qualifications with distinct purpose
- careers guidance - raising awareness & providing clarity for students on the qualifications available to them ◦ the proposed simplified system and its potential impact
- progression - future pathways for students post-qualification, including to level 3 and beyond, as well as to employment or apprenticeship
- employment - alignment of qualifications with labour market needs ◦ the developing skills landscape ◦ upskilling & mature learners ◦ future role of employers & encouraging their collaboration
- implementation - providing continuity of provision for students already studying ◦ ensuring that providers are not overwhelmed as post COVID-19 recovery continues & with reform at Level 3
We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Helen Kemplay, Joint Head of the Qualification Reform Unit, Department for Education on key policy priorities moving forward.