About this Event
Join us for the UVAC 2025 Nation Conference on Thursday 20 November at the ICC, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA
Held annually, usually in the late autumn, the UVAC National Conference is a pivotal event for professionals involved in higher and degree apprenticeships, higher technical education, professional skills, and work-based learning. It offers a platform to engage with policy updates, innovative practices, and research in the sector. The conference facilitates networking with like-minded individuals and industry leaders, providing insights into the evolving landscape of vocational education.
This year we take the theme CHANGE: creating and adapting to apprenticeship and skills policy, past, present and future.
Recent ministerial announcements emphasise the crucial role of higher education (HE) in aligning with post-16 education and skills strategies, particularly in areas like higher technical and professional education, apprenticeships, HTQs, lifelong learning and progression into HE. However, the Government is not always clear on its understanding of the purpose of HE so nothing can be assumed. UVAC and its distinctive offer is key to positioning its membership voice to government and the conference is the perfect opportunity to capture this intent.
In addition to the packed programme of keynote speakers, breakout workshop and panel discussions, one of the highlights for many of our delegates at our National Conference is also the opportunity to connect and network with others working in the sector. By attending this conference you and your colleagues have even more opportunities to:
- Gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the field of higher level apprenticeships
- Connect and network with others working in the sector
- Learn from the experience and expertise of others
- Share your ideas with like-minded individuals
For anyone engaged in higher and degree apprenticeships, higher technical education, professional skills, and work-based learning this is a key event that you won’t want to miss.
We are delighted that are continuing their support of our conference, as a headline sponsor in 2025. We very much look forward to welcoming the APTEM team as part of our programme on the day, as well as to our popular conference exhibition.
Aptem Apprentice, the leading end-to-end apprenticeship delivery system for the HE sector, is used by 51% of universities with an established apprenticeship provision and nearly 100,000 learners daily. Underpinned by unrivalled sector expertise, Aptem uses the latest technology to help you enrol high volumes of students, meet Ofsted/ESFA requirements, and confidently evidence progression and completion.
Read more about APTEM
will be the first ever Registration Sponsor for our National Conference. A regular exhibitor at the conference, this new partnership will see BUD presenting a workshop, as well as taking a prime spot in the exhibition hall.
Bud is not just a platform; it's a holistic solution designed to bring together all aspects of apprenticeship and skills training management. From initial enrolment to final assessment, Bud provides a seamless, integrated experience for trainers, learners, and administrators alike.
Bud is built on a foundation of simplicity, compliance, and consistency, as well as the knowledge gained from real-life experience, managing large-scale delivery. With over 70,000 active learners and 95,000+ monthly logins, Bud Systems is committed to enhancing the management of funded training through innovative technology.
Read more about BUD
We are also delighted that – Powered by Skills Federation returns to the conference as a headline sponsor.
A regular supporter of UVAC’s annual conference, the ACE360 team are once again looking forward to connecting with many of their customers and partners on the day, and meeting new faces across the sector.
Delegates at the event are invited to visit the ACE360 stand and speak to the team about their upcoming innovations: ACE360 Connect and ACE360 Circle - two powerful new features set to redefine how providers and End-Point Assessment Organisations collaborate.
Read more about ACE360 – Powered by Skills Federation
We’re delighted to announce that will be the Drinks Reception Sponsor for our National Conference at the ICC, Birmingham in November.
OneAdvanced Education works in partnership with universities, colleges, and training providers to deliver digital solutions that improve the student journey and enhance institutional performance. From admissions and learner management to finance and compliance, our education-focused technologies are designed to simplify complex processes, improve efficiency, and free up valuable time for staff and learners alike. By combining sector expertise with innovation, we help universities deliver exceptional student experiences, meet regulatory demands, and adapt with confidence to an increasingly competitive and fast-changing higher education landscape.
Read more about OneAdvanced
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 AM
09.00 - 09.15 Welcome
Host: Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive, UVAC
09.15 - 9.55 Keynote Workshop from Headline Sponsor APTEM
Info: High-impact progress reviews in University apprenticeship provision
09:55 - 10.15 Keynote Presentation
Host: Kerry Boffey, Adult Learning Improvement Network (ALIN)
Info: Ready for Roll Out - practical realities of the renewed inspection framework for Higher Education
10.15 – 10:55 Full Conference Workshop
Info: Region to be cheerful? Exploring the role for vocational HE and apprenticeships within English devolution -
James Farr, Director and Richard Guy, Senior Associate, THINK
11:00 – 11:50 Workshop Session A
Info: World Skills UK endorsed competitions for Higher & Degree Apprentices
Assuring Standards in Times of Change: Co-Creating a Blueprint for Quality,Consistency, and Change
End Point Assessment – Out of the Melting Pot
11:55 – 12:45 Workshop Session B
Info: Navigating Change: Empowering Insights around workplace mentorship through a World Café
Navigating complexity with employers: Strategic workforce strategies in an era of change
Addressing policy misconceptions about mature learners and university approaches
12:45 – 1:30 LUNCH, EXHIBITION & NETWORKING
1:30 – 2:20 Workshop Session C
Info: The Evolving Apprenticeship Workforce: Navigating Change in Tripartite Roles
Not just another spreadsheet; Streamlining management
The constant in a shifting landscape: the value of work-related co-created practice development in DAs
2:25 – 3:05 Full Conference Workshop
Info: From Policy to Practice: Reimagining Apprenticeships Through the Lens of Diversity and Inclusion -
Pete Milsom and Shona Taylor, Business Engagement Manager: Early Careers and Apprenticeships, UCAS
3:05 – 3:45 Keynote Workshop from Headline Sponsor ACE360
Host: ACE360
Info: Apprenticeships policy – making it work for employers
Panel discussion led by Dr Fiona Aldridge, CEO, Skills Federation
3:45 – 3:55 Refreshments Break & Exhibition
3:55 – 4:35 Full Conference Workshop
Info: From Start-up to Scale-up - Gosia Lasota, Assistant Director, Dr Cliona O Dunlaing, Dean, School of Apprenticeships Anglia Ruskin University
4:35 – 4:55 Keynote Workshop from Registration Sponsor
Host: BUD
4:55 – 5:00 Closing Remarks
Host: Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee
5.00 - 6.00 Drinks Reception for all delegates, speakers and exhibitors
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Doors Open: Breakfast, Exhibition and Networking
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The International Convention Centre, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, United Kingdom
GBP 350.00
