The event brought together Independent Training Providers (ITPs) and key representatives from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The strong turnout and engagement provided opportunities for providers to discuss future policy direction, share challenges and build new connections to inform their approach to upcoming changes.

Key Topics Under the Spotlight

Across the agenda, several policy areas shaped the discussions, including:

• The Level 2 and Level 3 qualification reforms
• The Growth and Skills Levy, including the future role of Apprenticeship Units
• The 2026/27 Apprenticeship Funding Rules and the anticipated changes
• DfE's Regional Improvement Teams
• An overview of Skills England
• DfE's SEND consultation

Key Speakers and Panel Insights

The day featured contributions from senior departmental leaders, who shared updates and took questions from providers:

• Kate Ridley-Pepper, DWP Director of Work-Based Skills
• Roger Cotes, DfE Director for the Regional Performance Directorate
• Michael Nicol, DfE Deputy Director in the Regional Performance Directorate
• Sarah Tulk, DWP Head of Market Strategy and Provider Quality

Core Messages and Themes

1. Prioritising young people and reducing NEET rates

Speakers made it clear that improving outcomes for young people remains a priority. They emphasised increasing access to work-based learning and developing clear progression routes.

2. Simplifying the skills system

Providers welcomed the focus on simplifying processes across apprenticeships and wider skills programmes. The aim is to make navigating the system easier for both providers and employers.

3. Aligning skills with employer needs

In line with the Modern Industrial Strategy, there was an emphasis on ensuring that training is flexible, employer-focused, and agile enough to meet sector-specific needs. The Growth and Skills Levy is expected to play a key role in enabling this.

4. Strengthening regional collaboration

With Regional Improvement Teams becoming more established, providers were encouraged to formally engage with regional structures to help shape local skills planning and delivery.

We were pleased to see excellent engagement from both providers and department representatives. Conversations at our stand reinforced many of the day’s themes, with attendees sharing valuable feedback and a clear appetite to contribute to the evolving skills landscape.