About the ATC

The Apprenticeships and Training Conference (ATC) began its journey in 2015 as the Annual Apprenticeship Conference, established to address the growing importance of apprenticeships in the UK’s workforce development strategy. Over the years, the event has grown in scope and influence, attracting a diverse audience of industry professionals, educators, and policymakers.

Recognising the evolving landscape of skills development and government policies, we rebranded the event to the Apprenticeships and Training Conference from 2025. This new name reflects our broader focus on all aspects of training and workforce development, ensuring that we continue to meet the changing needs of the industry and remain at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of work.

Our mission

The mission of the Apprenticeships and Training Conference (ATC) is to support and advance workforce development across the UK. By providing a platform for industry leaders, educators, employers, and policymakers, the ATC facilitates critical discussions and knowledge-sharing on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in training and apprenticeships. Our goal is to align with government policies and industry needs, ensuring that the conference serves as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in workforce training. Ultimately, the ATC aims to equip professionals with the insights and tools they need to drive growth, improve skills, and foster economic success.

Key Content Strands

The Apprenticeships and Training Conference (ATC) offers a comprehensive programme designed to address the most pressing issues and opportunities for employers and training providers. For ATC 2025, our content strands have been carefully curated to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for professionals across the education, business, and policy sectors.  

These content strands are designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

The 10 key content strands for the conference are:

Policy and Regulation | Updates and analysis on the latest government policies and regulatory changes impacting apprenticeships and training.

Strategic Workforce Planning | Approaches for aligning training programmes with business objectives and future workforce needs.

Innovation in Training | Exploration of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that are transforming the training landscape.

Employer Engagement | Strategies for fostering strong partnerships between employers and training providers to improve outcomes.

Quality Assurance and Assessment | Best practices for ensuring high standards in apprenticeship and training programmes.

 

Diversity and Inclusion | Initiatives and strategies to promote diversity and inclusivity within training and apprenticeship schemes.

Funding and Finance | Insights into funding opportunities, financial management, and maximising the apprenticeship levy.

Skills for the Future | Preparing for the evolving skills needs of the future workforce, focusing on emerging trends and technologies.

Leadership and Management Training | Developing leadership capabilities and management skills through effective training programmes.

Case Studies and Best Practices | Real-world examples and success stories from leading organisations that have excelled in training and development

Who Attends the ATC

The Apprenticeships and Training Conference (ATC) attracts a diverse audience of senior professionals and decision-makers from across the education, business, and policy sectors. Attendees include:

Education Providers: Representatives from FE colleges, schools, universities, and training organisations who are directly involved in delivering apprenticeships and training programmes.

Employers: Business leaders, HR professionals, and workforce development managers seeking to enhance their organisations’ skills and training initiatives.

Assessment Organisations: Experts involved in the assessment, accreditation, and quality assurance of apprenticeships and training programmes.

Policy Makers and Regulators: Government officials, policy advisors, and regulatory bodies focused on shaping and implementing policies related to apprenticeships and workforce development.

Industry Experts and Consultants: Professionals who provide strategic advice, research, and insights into trends and best practices in training and apprenticeships.

The ATC provides a unique platform for these stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on solutions that drive forward the skills agenda in the UK.

Structure of the Conference

The Apprenticeships and Training Conference (ATC) is structured to maximise learning, engagement, and collaboration over two dynamic days. The event is designed to provide a balanced mix of insightful plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities.

Plenary Sessions: Each day includes plenary sessions featuring leading thinkers, industry experts, and key decision-makers. These sessions provide big-picture insights into the latest trends, policies, and innovations shaping the future of apprenticeships and training. Expect thought-provoking presentations and discussions that set the tone for the rest of the conference.

Workshops: Across the two days, attendees can choose from over 80 workshops covering a wide range of topics. These sessions are designed to be interactive and practical, allowing participants to delve into specific areas of interest, learn from real-world case studies, and gain actionable insights to apply within their own organisations. Workshops cater to all levels of experience and expertise, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Networking Events: At the end of each day, the conference hosts dedicated networking events, offering attendees the chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and build valuable relationships. These informal gatherings are the perfect opportunity to unwind, discuss the day’s learnings, and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed and social setting.

The carefully curated structure of the ATC ensures a rich and rewarding experience for all participants, combining expert knowledge with practical application and meaningful connections.

Testimonials

MOD Delegate 2024 Delegate

“I cannot underestimate the value of this event. It allows all stakeholders to collaborate and share information and practices. Over both days, I really enjoyed meeting passionate, like-minded professionals and realised that, in the main, our issues are very similar.”

ATC 2024 Delegate

“The conference was jam-packed with insightful, inspiring and thought-provoking sessions that will help to inform and shape the activity we undertake as a provider. Superb!”

Joanne Gogerly Head of Professional Education, Siemens

The ATC has become a highlight in our calendar. A perfect balance of workshops, networking opportunities with suppliers, customers and partners, as well as thought provoking presentations and discussions with industry experts.

ATC 2024 Delegate

“A fabulous conference with the ability to voice collective issues but with a collaborative approach to seeking solutions. Good to hear from all stakeholders across the arena of apprenticeships to understand the different sides of the beachball. It is important to have public and private sectors represented and to hear from key political figures and their support for apprenticeships and meeting skills gaps!”

Luminate Education 2024 Delegate

“A great event that keeps you up to date with changes and future changes and a great opportunity to network, would definitely recommend this conference to colleagues.”

Jules Rhodes Shrewsbury Colleges Group

The workshops I attended were inspirational and key note speakers and guest speakers were extremely knowledgable, answering questions and sharing fantastic ideas. There was a huge feeling of collaboration and sharing best practice, what works and what hasn’t!

Lisette MacCormac Director of Quality & Performance, The JGA Group

I have attended the ATC every year since its inaugural conference in London. This is because I value the breadth of learning courtesy of some fantastic workshops and the hugely beneficial opportunity to network with and learn from likeminded people from the sector, for the sector.

Danielle Judge Assistant Principal: Apprenticeships - Trafford College Group

The ATC is a fantastic opportunity to network with like minded people, who share a common passion for apprenticeships and their success. The Plenary sessions are very informative, but also provide challenge to some of the key speakers on the issues pertinent to Apprenticeships success. The breakout sessions provide focused information and support on key topics and provided a fantastic opportunity to speak with other training providers and FE colleges to help foster working relationships beyond the conference. The exhibition space had a real buzz about it with an opportunity to explore lots of software, EPAO and other solutions all in one place. Highly recommend and will be booking my tickets for next year when they come out!

ATC 2023 Delegate

The ATC is ‘the’ event to attend, it gives delegates the opportunity to hear from and speak to people and organisations making a real difference in the sector. I always come away feeling inspired and motivated by people passionate about the success of apprenticeships

ATC 2023 Delegate

The ATC is without a doubt the flagship apprenticeship event of the year. Location, delegates, guests, speakers, exhibitors, food, topics, competitions. It has it all!