TO BE PUBLISHED November 2026
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This conference will examine next steps for qualifications at Level 2 and below in England. Areas for discussion include implementation of reform to qualifications, provider readiness, preparation for changes to funding from 2027, alignment of curricula content with sector and local need, and supporting learners during transition and into further study and employment.
The discussion takes place following publication of the Government’s Post-16 pathways: implementation plan, setting out the phased introduction of new Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications from 2027. The agenda will look at what is needed for progression into skilled work, further study and training.
Curricula, participation & progression
The conference will bring key stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss potential implications of the implementation plan and the Government’s response to the consultation on proposed Level 2 and Level 3 subject content. Delegates will consider priorities for implementation of the new qualification offer and for supporting effective progression through occupational and further study pathways.
Further sessions will focus on participation and progression. Pathways into Level 3 study, apprenticeships and employment will be considered, alongside wider questions relating to learner choice, accessibility, opportunity and outcomes as the new system is introduced.
Local skills planning & apprenticeships
Sessions will also explore how the reformed system can respond to workforce and skills needs while supporting confidence among learners, employers and providers. Attendees will consider the role of Skills England, employer engagement, local skills planning and the contribution of apprenticeships and flexible training routes to workforce development.
Overview of areas for discussion
- post-16 pathways:
- rollout of further study and occupational pathways, including Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates
- final Level 2 subject content and the Government’s consultation response - implications for learner choice, provider planning, progression and transition
- alignment with Skills England occupational standards
- qualification design and employer engagement:
- employer involvement in qualification content, occupational standards and curriculum development
- balancing national consistency with local and sectoral skills needs
- supporting progression into further study, apprenticeships and employment
- provider readiness and delivery:
- curriculum planning, workforce capacity and resource requirements across colleges, schools and independent training providers
- implementation support, approvals processes, communications, guidance and learner information
- maintaining quality, consistency and employer confidence during transition
- skills priorities and policy coordination:
- alignment between Level 2 reforms, Skills England priorities, Local Skills Improvement Plans, devolution arrangements and the Industrial Strategy
- employer partnerships, strategic authorities, local skills planning and delivery partnerships
- addressing workforce shortages in Industrial Strategy priority sectors such as clean energy, and supporting regional growth objectives
- apprenticeships and flexible provision:
- expansion of Foundation Apprenticeships and introduction of apprenticeship units
- interaction between apprenticeships and new Level 2 pathways
- lessons learned from early operational experience of Foundation Apprenticeships and shorter programmes
- funding reform:
- implementation of Growth and Skills Levy funding arrangements, including access to funding for apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships and apprenticeship units
- implications of revised co-investment and funding rules for employers and providers
- fairness of access for SMEs and smaller providers
- progression, participation and opportunity:
- progression into Level 3 study, apprenticeships and employment
- access for adult learners and those requiring additional preparation and support
- implications of the Youth Guarantee, Trailblazer programmes and the Milburn Review for participation and progression
- addressing regional disparities in provision and supporting learners at risk of becoming NEET
