Overview

Universities are joining AELP in increasing numbers and they are doing so at the right time. The government has recently announced a review of post-18 education and we are seeing significant growth in higher and degree level apprenticeships. If more new apprenticeship standards are signed off in time for September, we can expect the growth to accelerate further.

Both the government review and the rapidly changing apprenticeship market bring great opportunities but also challenges to HEIs especially in terms of choices being offered to young people and employers – the debt-free alternative of degree apprenticeships being particularly attractive. They also give the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with other providers and suppliers. These partnerships could prove to be even more fruitful if greater responsibility for skills budgets and programmes are devolved to the Mayoral Combined Authorities and other regions.

AELP wishes to support its HEI and other members in maximising the new opportunities and meeting the challenges and this inaugural Annual Summit will offer solutions on both.

The Annual Summit includes:

• Updates from DfE and AELP on policy developments, specifically for higher/degree apprenticeship programmes
• Updates on apprenticeship standards development and approval
• Updates on current apprenticeship funding, the wider reforms and what lies ahead in terms of contracting, funding, quality assurance and rules
• Examples of collaborations between HEIs and providers
• Introduction to third party organisations offering products and services, such as LMI data services and established and recognised ePortfolios, EPA services and Learning Management Systems
• An opportunity for HEIs to feed in their key challenges and concerns to help define AELP policy positions and lobbying priorities