The full-day conference explored the latest policy developments from the 2025 Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, including apprenticeship units, the Growth and Skills Levy, and changes to funding.

Our Head of Products, Tracey Patmore, delivered a live Q&A session titled ‘Developing Skills for Future Industries: Creating Pathways from Education to Employment’. The session covered:

• Building future-ready skills for emerging industries
• Strengthening education-to-employment pathways
• Empowering learners with skills aligned to tomorrow’s workforce needs

She emphasised the value of apprenticeships, highlighting practical experience, industry-relevant skills, recognised qualifications and smoother transitions into employment. Outlining what Foundation Apprenticeships are, she explained how they support young learners and the progression routes they open. Tracey also detailed employer benefits, learner support and the responsibilities of training providers, offering key takeaways on collaboration, workforce development and early career pathways. Foundation Apprenticeships form an important part of NOCN Group’s offer, providing young people with paid employment alongside structured training that leads to recognised qualifications. Developed by industry experts, our Foundation Apprenticeships equip learners with essential technical and employability skills, while giving providers high-quality, Ofqual-regulated units to support effective delivery and clear progression into further apprenticeships or sustained employment.

The conference brought employers and apprenticeship providers together to share best practices, update on apprenticeship information, and discuss ways to improve apprentice experiences.

Our team had fantastic conversations with both employers and providers about NOCN Group Apprenticeship Assessment and Foundation Apprenticeships.