The ETF attends the AELP National Conference 2023

On Monday and Tuesday this week, the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) attended AELP’s National Conference 2023, joining colleagues from across the skills and employability sector to engage in discussion about key sector developments, recent policy activities, and the impact of these on providers.

The ETF’s participation in the two-day conference included our CEO, Dr Katerina Kolyva’s keynote address; two workshops focused on the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme, which is being delivered by the ETF in partnership with AELP, AoC, SDN and UVAC; an ETF exhibition stand; and sponsorship of the AELP conference app as an AWD partner.

Dr Katerina Kolyva explored themes of lifelong learning, workforce challenges, and the role of the AWD programme in supporting improvements in the quality of apprenticeship delivery.

Cerian Ayres, the ETF’s National Head of Technical Education, delivered two workshops with AELP’s Head of Apprenticeship Workforce Development, Cheryl Swales. The workshops, entitled ‘Sense and Sustainability: Apprenticeship Workforce Development’, provided updates on the AWD programme and the support available to all those delivering, or supporting the delivery of, apprenticeships.

Commenting on the event, Dr Katerina Kolyva said: “This year’s National AELP Conference was a fantastic opportunity to meet and interact with skills and training providers from across the sector. A broad range of speakers and panellists offered food for thought and interesting discussion points on topics including skills priorities, social mobility and inclusion, and the quality of provision.

“It was a pleasure to deliver the keynote address on the first day and, together with ETF colleagues, to meet so many delegates working to develop and grow the skills and training provision, to learn from them and hear about their experiences, and to share the latest updates on the Apprenticeship Workforce Development programme through workshop sessions and discussions on the exhibition stand. The ETF remains committed to delivering workforce development that responds to needs of the whole sector. I look forward to engaging with many Independent Training Providers over the coming months to gain a sharper picture of their experiences and a deeper understanding of their priorities for professional development.”

Find out more about the Apprenticeship Workforce Development programme, and available CPD, here.