The main stage · ATC 2027
Plenary sessions
Leading thinkers and industry leaders in the main auditorium, sharing insight on the latest policy and developments. Across both days, our plenary sessions set the agenda for apprenticeships, skills and workforce development.
Your hosts
Conference chairs
Shane Mann and Shane Chowen return for their second year hosting ATC, guiding you through both days on the main stage and putting the sector’s big questions to our speakers.
Conference Chair
Shane Mann
Founder and CEO, EducationScape
Shane leads EducationScape, publisher of FE Week and Schools Week. He helped launch FE Week in 2011 and Schools Week in 2014, and is a trustee of the Teaching Awards Trust and WorldSkills UK.
Read full bio →Conference Chair
Shane Chowen
Editor, FE Week
Shane leads FE Week’s team of reporters. In 20 years in FE he has been midlands director at the Association of Colleges and head of public affairs at Learning and Work Institute.
Read full bio →Day one speakers
Monday 1 March 2027
Jake Humphrey
Broadcaster, author and entrepreneur
What it truly means to perform at your best — lessons from two decades at the top of elite sport and business.
Read bio
Day two speakers
Tuesday 2 March 2027
Dr Daniel Susskind
Author and economist
How AI is reshaping work and society — and what it means for skills, training and the next generation.
Read bio
What’s on the agenda
Main stage themes
A flavour of the big conversations on the main stage. This isn’t an exhaustive list — the full programme spans plenaries, workshops and the Employer Summit, with more to be announced.
01
Policy and reform
The latest from government and the bodies shaping the skills system.
02
The employer voice
How employers are building their workforces through apprenticeships.
03
Quality and outcomes
What great delivery looks like, and how to evidence it.
04
Future skills
AI, technology and the skills the economy will need next.
05
Funding and the levy
What the Growth and Skills Levy means for employers and providers in practice.
06
Young people and opportunity
Widening access, tackling NEET numbers and opening routes into good careers.
There’s more to ATC
Explore the programme
Workshops
Practical, hands-on sessions led by providers, employers and experts — take ideas straight back to your organisation.
Explore workshops →
Employer Summit
A dedicated programme for HR, People and L&D leaders, with the Employer Summit Dinner on Monday evening.
Discover the summit →
Networking receptions
Meet peers, partners and speakers at our evening receptions — building the connections that last beyond the conference.
See receptions →
Gala Dinner and Awards Evening
Close ATC 2027 in style on Tuesday 2 March, as we celebrate the national winners of the Apprenticeship and Training Awards.
Book your table →
Join us in the main auditorium
Every plenary session is included with your ATC 2027 ticket. More speakers to be announced.