Devolving the apprenticeship system

Recently, there has been debate over whether apprenticeship funding decisions should be devolved to local leaders – including in a recent report for the Social Market Foundation (SMF) by Baroness Alison Wolf. Although well-intentioned, we believe that such a move is ultimately misguided, risking the progress achieved under the current employer-led system. ?

Devolving funding would lead to higher administrative costs, redirecting resources away from training and toward bureaucracy. The additional governance would?complicate the system, making it harder for training providers to deliver high-quality programmes and for employers to participate seamlessly. The result would be a fragmented system plagued by funding uncertainties and fewer opportunities for businesses and apprentices alike.?

Rather than decentralising control, we should enhance the existing model by making it more accessible, efficient, and responsive to employer needs. While Metro Mayors undoubtedly have valuable insights into local skills demands, granting them commissioning powers over apprenticeships would be a step backward.?

You can read my full response to the SMF proposals in this article in FE Week.?

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AELP’s A Day With Ofsted?

Throughout the year, we regularly host events for people across the sector to come together, hear from leading subject experts and share best practice. Our first major event of the year was A Day With Ofsted held last month in Birmingham.?

AELP has traditionally played a key role in supporting members through constructive engagement with Ofsted, helping both providers and inspectors enhance the inspection process. During the event attendees heard directly from senior Ofsted officials alongside experienced providers highlighting how they achieved strong inspection outcomes. Ofsted are currently consulting on their new inspection process and AELP will be pushing for reform to include improving consistency, ensuring fair notice periods, and addressing cliff-edge consequences of poor ratings.

In addition, AELP has planned several key events for 2025, designed for professionals in education, training, and skills development:?

• AI & Digital Summit (26 February, Birmingham): Sponsored by Bud, this event explores AI’s impact on the skills sector, analysing its potential and challenges. Booking is open now.?

• Maths & English Conference (March, Leeds): Focusing on best practices in delivering maths and English, targeting tutors, trainers, and providers. Register your interest today.?

• Green Skills Summit (29 April, Birmingham): Addresses the green skills challenge and its implications for providers, employers, and learners, with insights from industry leaders. Expressions of interest form open now.?

• National Conference (23-24 June, London): A flagship event attracting 600+ delegates, featuring high-profile speakers and networking opportunities.?

• Autumn Conference (October/November, Manchester): Our second-largest event, focusing on post-16 education and skills, shaping the future of the sector.?

Opportunities for sponsorship, exhibitions, and speaking roles are available by contacting our events team ([email protected]).?

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AELP Employer Forum?

As AELP’s CEO, I’m fortunate to collaborate with employers driving skills development across the country – and one of the ways we do this is through our regular Employer Forums. Our first one of 2025 was attended by a wide range of employers, including Amazon, NatWest, AstraZeneca, and Costa.?

Three urgent priorities for government action emerged:?

• First, communication must improve. Employers need genuine engagement, proper consultations, and visible action on their feedback. Too often, ideas shared by those on the front line fail to influence policy.?

• Second, the government must focus on integrating skills programmes. Seamless transitions between initiatives like Skills Bootcamps and Apprenticeships are essential, yet coordination is lacking—especially across devolved systems.?

• Finally, the government must reduce risks for employers and learners by ensuring strategic funding, clear regulations, and championing skills training. A better-connected, supportive system benefits everyone, boosting productivity and creating a more equitable society.?

AELP will continue advocating for these changes.?

National Apprenticeship Week 2025?

No doubt you will have the date circled already in the calendar, but National Apprenticeship Week is taking place 10 – 16 February. We're excited about the using this opportunity as a chance for us to shine a light on all the work taking place and celebrate great apprenticeships, amazing individuals, and the positive impact they have. We encourage all members to get involved and more information can be found on the NAW 2025 website.?

We’ll be publishing a special NAW25 Countdown, so please share your updates and news with us – especially if you have any visits from the media, politicians, or launching any new initiatives or projects. This can be sent to our Communications Manager, Matt Strong ([email protected]).?

Throughout the week we’ll be amplifying the work of members on social media, so please tag in @AELPUK on X and @AELP here on LinkedIn and use the hashtag #NAW2025.?

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