Event Summary

The new Apprenticeships Programme in Wales will start on 1 August 2027.

Bringing together employers, apprenticeship and tertiary education providers in Cardiff, our The Future of Apprenticeships Wales Conference is ideally timed to explore how apprenticeships are being reformed to meet the needs of learners, employers, and the wider economy.

With a renewed focus on aligning skills provision to future industry needs, attend to receive an update on future apprenticeship provision from August 2027 under Medr and what this means for funding, regulation, and accountability.

Explore how apprenticeships can be more closely aligned to emerging sectors critical to the Welsh economy, by improving employer engagement and making better use of national and regional labour market data.

A provider masterclass will offer practical guidance on how leading colleges and training organisations are delivering flexible, impactful apprenticeships that meet employer expectations and improve learner outcomes.

The employer panel will showcase real-world perspectives from large and small organisations sharing recruitment and retention models that work. Plus explore how providers can meet employer’s evolving skills needs in digitalisation, artificial intelligence and sustainability.

Hear directly from leading apprentices from across Wales about what works to retain young talent and how to improve the experiences of apprentices.

Later sessions will focus on raising awareness of apprenticeships through partnerships with schools, careers services, community organisations and employers and removing barriers for underrepresented and lifelong learners.

The event will conclude with a session exploring what resources and support are available for providers and employers to embed Welsh language skills into apprenticeship delivery to enhance learner engagement and strengthen cultural identity.

Don’t miss your opportunity to network and take away actionable insights to prepare for future apprenticeship provision in Wales.

Key Points

  • The vision for apprenticeships in Wales and how the reforms will boost Wales’s economy
  • Gain an update on what the future apprenticeship provision might look like from August 2027
  • Making apprenticeships more flexible to meet employer and learner needs
  • Gaining clarity on Medr’s role and preparing for future regulatory and funding changes
  • Apprenticeship Sector Frameworks – Aligning apprenticeship design with real labour market and sector needs
  • Learning from leading providers about successful apprenticeship delivery
  • Employer insights to boost recruitment, retention, and inclusion
  • Strategies to raise awareness about apprenticeships amongst young people and adults
  • Removing barriers for underrepresented learners and attracting a wider cohort
  • Promoting Welsh language skills and expanding bilingual apprenticeship delivery
  • Hear directly from apprentices about positive learning experiences.

Venue and Access

In-person – This conference will take place in Cardiff Marriott. Attend this full-day event in person to network, build relationships and learn from your peers.

Materials can be provided in Welsh. Please allow 7 days for materials to be provided in Welsh. Gallwn ddarparu deunyddiau yn Gymraeg. E-bost:info@policyinsight.wales. Caniatewch 7 diwrnod i ddeunyddiau gael eu darparu yn Gymraeg.

Concessionary rates and free places are available for community organisations and unfunded individuals. To apply, contact us events@knowledgeexchange.group