A year on from the coalition Government’s commitment to create a total of 150,000 additional apprenticeship places, we are provided the opportunity to assess success and look to ‘what’s next’ in vocational training.

Figures by the National Apprenticeship Service demonstrate that there are now more than 85,000 employers offering apprenticeships in more than 130,000 locations. Furthermore, 83% of these employers report that they now heavily rely on their apprenticeship programme to match their skill requirements.

Although a step in the right direction, there is still so much to achieve in reducing unemployment, ensuring the financial feasibility of apprenticeship schemes and promoting positive engagement with small and medium enterprises. This conference is a must-see for FE and HE providers; small to medium-sized businesses; trade associations and all those aiming to increase apprenticeship opportunities and employer engagement.