Event Summary

Wales has delivered over 100,000 apprenticeships in this Senedd term, reinforcing work-based learning as a central pillar of the nation’s skills strategy. From foundation through to degree level, apprenticeships provide a route into employment, enabling people of all ages to gain real-world skills while supporting employers to build and retain talent across priority sectors.

As the system moves into a new era of reform under Medr and as Wales prepares to launch a redesigned apprenticeship system in August 2027, join Policy Insight Wales popular Apprenticeships Conference to explore upcoming changes and how apprenticeships will be reshaped including delivery, funding, and outcomes.

Apprenticeships are a driver of productivity and inclusion. How can reforms ensure a more flexible, responsive system that reflects employer needs, regional labour markets, and learner progression routes? We will explore how to strengthen apprenticeship pathways, improve delivery models, and ensure apprenticeships remain aligned with wider tertiary education reform.  You will hear from apprentices who have progressed into sustained employment with insight into their learner experiences and next steps to help improve talent retention. Spotlighting key sectors such as digital, net zero, and health and social care, we will explore how apprenticeships can bridge the gap with emerging skills gaps.

Alongside structural reform, you will gain insight into how delivery models can become more flexible, including blended learning, modular progression, and improved credit transfer across further and higher education pathways. We will discuss how to strengthen employer engagement and co-design, while reducing complexity for SMEs.

Gain insight into future funding and investment models, ensuring sustainable public investment, appropriate employer contributions, and funding mechanisms that incentivise priority skills, widen access, and deliver long-term value for money.

You will hear from Regional Skills Partnerships (RSPs), how best to identify regional labour market priorities and align apprenticeship provision with local skills needs.

Don’t miss this opportunity at a critical moment for apprenticeships policy. Join us to network with educators, providers and employers to explore what comes next for the future of apprenticeships.

Key Points

  • Reforms to apprenticeships: preparing for the redesigned system launching in August 2027
  • The impact of wider tertiary education reform: blended learning, modularisation, and credit transfer between FE, HE, and apprenticeships
  • Improving quality, completion rates, and sustained employment outcomes for apprentices
  • Funding and investment models: ensuring sustainability, value for money, and stronger incentives for priority skills delivery
  • Removing barriers for underrepresented groups and rural communities to improve uptake of apprenticeships
  • Best practice examples from Regional Skills Partnerships (RSP)

 

Materials can be provided in Welsh. Please allow 7 days for materials to be provided in Welsh. Gallwn ddarparu deunyddiau yn Gymraeg. E-bost:[email protected]. 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 [email protected]