Event Summary

The reforms introduced with the Growth and Skills Levy have signalled the greatest shift in apprenticeships this decade, making it more important than ever to be informed on current guidance and best practice. Join Westminster Insight’s popular The Future of Apprenticeships Conference in Newcastle, bringing together key policy makers, employers, and apprenticeship providers to explore the changing world of apprenticeships.

Learn how the government’s major £725 million reform package to create 50,000 new apprenticeships will change the apprenticeship model. Get to grips with existing and upcoming reforms, including sweeping changes to the assessment process, increased flexibility through apprenticeship units and shorter apprenticeships, the new apprenticeship clearing system, and the government’s plans to review and update all 700+ apprenticeship standards by August 2026.

Discover what the Growth and Skills Levy, set to be introduced in April 2026, means in practical terms and how to make the most of it. Understand the impact it will have on funding, particularly in terms of support for SMEs and the shift away from level 7 apprenticeships.

Receive guidance on delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes that instil lifelong skills and promote career progression. Understand how apprenticeships can be used to address critical skills shortages across sectors.

With the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment and NEET rates, understand what support is available for your organisation to take on young people as apprentices. With apprenticeship rates down 40% in the last decade, we will also address ways to tackle stigma and establish apprenticeships as an attractive post-16 option.

We will discuss how to ensure apprenticeship programmes are innovative, up to date and supportive of a diverse range of learners. Hear best practice for promoting an inclusive teaching and assessment approach and ensuring informed and attentive line management. 

Key stakeholders will address methods to support apprentice employers, including ways to ease administrative burdens and encourage more effective communication between government, education providers and employers, especially for SMEs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with key stakeholders and prepare yourself and your business for the future of apprenticeships in the UK.

*DWP, 2026

Key Points

  • Understanding reforms and the policy landscape for Apprenticeships and Skills
  • The 2025-2026 Apprenticeships Funding Rules: addressing the Growth & Skills Levy, funding opportunities for SMEs and the impact of Level 7 funding withdrawal
  • Preparing for changes to the assessment process: moving away from EPAs to…
  • Understanding the implications of shorter and more flexible apprenticeship options
  • Local Skills Improvement Plan? This needs covering in your copy and agenda
  • Apprenticeship units in practice
  • Encouraging young people and NEET to take up apprenticeships
  • Supporting SMEs and first-time employers to take on apprentices
  • Addressing workforce demands and skills shortages through apprenticeships
  • Building high-quality apprenticeship programmes: protecting employer confidence, embedding inclusivity, and promoting social mobility
  • Encouraging skills for life through apprenticeships: the lifelong learning entitlement

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Group discounts

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