The conference came at a critical time for our industry, just days after Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds unveiled a £275m boost to training and apprenticeships in England in a new industrial strategy.

The package brings with it the potential to address longstanding skills shortages in engineering, energy and other key sectors. It also responds to a growing concern: a rising number of NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training), and a decline in the number of apprenticeships. There is also reference to Levy flexibility from April 2026 for modularised short courses. At NOCN Group, we’re committed to delivering high quality, future-ready skills solutions. This strategy provides a valuable framework for shaping skills development in some of the UK’s most promising and high growth sectors.

These issues were central to the discussions at this week’s conference. On Day 2, our Chief Executive, Graham Hasting-Evans, contributed to a panel session where he emphasised the importance of resilience in today’s learning landscape, particularly in light of shifting policies and technological advancements.

The conference programme also featured a compelling keynote address from Dame Kelly Holmes, who shared her personal journey and the determination that drove her to win two Olympic Gold medals. Influential voices from across the education and skills sector offered powerful reflections on funding, technology, strategic partnerships, and the importance of equipping learners to thrive in a quickly changing world.

Throughout the conference, we were proud to host a stand where we engaged with attendees about our skills solutions. We highlighted our product bundles for SWAPs (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes) and Bootcamps, a more efficient way to deliver multiple qualifications and units under one registration. These bundles are designed to reduce admin, simplify processes, and enhance the learner experience for our centers. You can learn more here.

We were delighted to welcome so many of you to our sessions in the ‘Gen Z Zone’. Across two interactive workshops, we explored how we can better support the career pathways, learning preferences, and expectations of Gen Z learners. Our partners at FE Tech brought valuable insights into how digital tools are transforming skills development in construction—an industry where innovation and adaptability are more important than ever.

A highlight of the conference was our Chief Executive, Graham Hasting-Evans, chairing a thought-provoking panel on the future of lifelong learning. Joined by Charles O'Madden (The Skills Centre), Jan Newbould (HRUC), and Corrina Hembury (Access Training), the panel tackled big questions around AI, post-pandemic learning, and the need for more flexible, collaborative training models and environment. The session’s key themes were captured brilliantly by Ozzy at Live Doodle, and we’re excited to carry these conversations forward.

These conversations around adaptability and innovation are reflected in the provisions outlined in the government’s industrial strategy, which sees targeted support for sectors such as green energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology. The Industrial Strategy’s £275m funding also aims to drive regional growth by focusing on areas most in need of economic revitalisation and workforce development.

Our Chief Executive, Graham Hasting-Evans, further highlighted the importance of the strategy and its potential:

“At NOCN Group, we welcome this renewed focus on skills from the government. The investment needs to be about more than plugging gaps, and should focus on building a workforce that is agile, inclusive, and equipped for the future. This aligns closely with our mission to create pathways that support lifelong learning and social mobility, particularly for underrepresented groups.

What’s particularly encouraging is the funding announced for technical excellence colleges, and short courses in major areas including AI and digital manufacturing. This reflects the need for more flexible, employer-led training models that can adapt quickly to the changing demands of the labour market. These priorities reflect many of the discussions that took place at the AELP National Conference—around agile delivery, digital innovation, and the importance of inclusive access to skills development."

The conversations we had at this year’s conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration across providers, employers, and policymakers. Together, we can shape a skills system that not only meets today’s challenges but anticipates tomorrow’s opportunities.