Here's a round-up of...
- Sector News
- Hot Jobs
- Apprenticeships conference 2026 - Get your tickets
- EP/AO Conference 2025 - Recap & Video Clip
- Kirstin's Tips & Tricks
To see all the current live jobs click HERE
Sector news
Jacqui is a highly respected individual in the industry whose expertise is held in high regard. It is recommended that one subscribes to her Friday Round-Ups to stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments.
Friday Round Up 26 Sept 2025:
What a manic but fun week. Client meetings around the country, my first ever stand at a conference, lots of networking and some apprenticeship assessment forecasting. The conference sparked some ideas, so I'll be writing some articles over the next week to share them with you.
Here is a summary of what I have spotted this week:
Parliament
- Education committee report on FE and Skills - It is worth having a read as there are some very interesting conclusions and recommendations in there around the independence of Skills England and its ability to influence, and around the need for simplification around the apprenticeship system, and to expand foundation apprenticeships to other sectors. Words such as the following speak for themselves: "The evidence received by the Committee is overwhelmingly opposed to the Government’s decision not to fund level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over through the Growth and Skills Levy"
Skills England
- Board Minutes. Some interesting little snippets in there, for example: vision and mission for the organisation - three high-level pillars of ‘understand’, ‘simplify’ and ‘co-create’. SIMPLIFICATION - (i) reviewing the occupational standards to identify potential duplication, overlap and gaps; (ii) work on co-creating skills packages for different sectors with industry; (iii) developed a blueprint using lessons learned from construction - to inform the work on digital, defence and engineering (advanced manufacturing) sectors.
- working with Chartered bodies
Ofqual
DfE
- DfE Update
- Analytical quality assurance at the Department for Education - quality assurance maturity model
- Adult skills fund: devolved grant determination letters 2025
- Fraud awareness: good practice for education and training providers
Ofsted
- The latest inspection outcomes
- Responses to post-inspection surveys: inspections and visits between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
To view Jacqui's full article, click here
The EP/AO Conference 2025 brought together over 260 delegates, 23 expert speakers, 20 exhibitors, and 8 sponsors, with discussions chaired by Lou Doyle, Co-Founder of SDN Mesma Group, and supported by her team.
The day was filled with thought-provoking panels, practical workshops, and open conversations on the issues that matter most to our sector. From rethinking assessment models and ensuring quality assurance, to sharing examples of good practice and exploring how we can better support apprentices and employers, the conference gave space for both challenge and reassurance.
A consistent theme throughout the day was the importance of collaboration across the sector – between providers, EPAOs, awarding organisations, employers, regulators, and apprentices themselves. Together, we explored how incremental, evidence-based improvements can strengthen quality and consistency, while keeping programmes relevant, accessible, and focused on learner success.
Above all, the conference highlighted the extraordinary work being delivered across the country, and the shared commitment to continuous improvement. Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice to these discussions, making the day such a valuable and inspiring event.
Apprenticeships Conference 2026
Our next event will be the Apprenticeships Conference on 24th February 2026 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. Tickets are already live, so make sure you don’t miss out
GET YOUR TICKET HERE
Our Feb Conference is about Apprenticeships, where we delve deeper into all areas of the apprenticeships arena. They are aimed at Managers, Leaders and Executives within
- FE Colleges
- Independent Training Providers
- Employer Providers
- Employers
- Assessment Organisations
- Awarding Organisations
Sit Down with Sak Featuring Jonny Connelly from ServAce
Sak Awan - FIEP from S Knights Recruitment recently sat down with Jonny Connelly , COO of ServAce , to explore the story behind the business - from how it all began to the difference they’re making in the apprenticeship and skills space.
We love showcasing smart solutions that make life easier for training providers, Awarding Orgs, and EPAOs.
ServAce is your go-to partner for streamlining the booking, scheduling, and management of residential and online training, plus venues, conferences, and accommodation. From branded booking portals to fully managed apprentice residentials and CPD events, ServAce combines clever technology with human support to save you time, reduce no-shows, and deliver a smooth experience for your team and learners alike.
Whether you're managing apprenticeships, planning events, or coordinating internal training - ServAce makes it simple.
📲 Learn more: https://www.servace.co.uk/
What does the EP/AO Hub do?
In short, we created a platform specifically to link EPAs, IQAs, Writers, Examiners, EQAs etc. with Apprenticeship & Awarding Organisations directly
So how does it work?
There’s 2 ways you can find your candidates
- Advertise on the Platform & get applications
- Search the database & find candidates
Whilst your gut instinct may be to just search the database, we would highly recommend advertising your vacancies too:
- Become an organisation of choice and let candidates know you are looking for them
- The database comprises of candidates who have registered on the EP/AO Hub
- Candidates will only register if they see assignments they are interested in – no adverts = no candidates
Thank you
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