AELP West Midlands CEO Roadshow by Pathway Group
The Pathway Group was thrilled to welcome Ben Rowland and Simon Ashworth to the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) CEO West Midlands Roadshow, marking a significant event filled with insightful discussions and valuable networking. The roadshow, which lasted two days, provided a unique platform for sharing ideas, strategies, and visions for the future under Ben Rowland’s promising leadership.
Attendees, including many Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance Patrons and Strategic Partners, were treated to engaging conversations and insights. The presence of diverse stakeholders underscored the event’s importance and the collective commitment to advancing apprenticeships and vocational education across the region.
A highlight of the roadshow was the opportunity for Jagdeep Soor to showcase the pivotal work of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance.
Additionally, introducing the upcoming Apprenticeship Branding Conference – Amplify, scheduled for June 11 at Millennium Point, Birmingham, further emphasising Pathway Group’s dedication to enhancing apprenticeship opportunities and fostering inclusivity.
Critical Discussions on Social Mobility, Functional Skills, and More
The roadshow addressed several key issues affecting apprenticeships and vocational training. A central topic was the impact of mandatory functional skills qualifications on social mobility and access to apprenticeships.
Participants noted that these requirements often act as barriers, preventing potential apprentices from pursuing opportunities and, in some instances, deterring them from considering apprenticeships altogether.
The discussions suggested that functional skills and initial assessments should be contextualised for specific sectors reminiscent of the Skills for Care initial assessments to enhance relevance and accessibility.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
- Another significant area of discussion revolved around the Balance Cards for devolved authorities, which offer a platform for sharing views on Combined Authorities’ performance, feedback, and supportiveness.
- Independent Training Providers (ITPs) voiced concerns over recruitment challenges and competition from colleges offering more competitive packages. The shift of many tutors and assessors towards roles as End Point Assessment (EPA) Assessors, focusing on evaluating rather than developing apprentices, was also highlighted as a pressing issue.
- The roadshow facilitated a critical dialogue on the disparities and lack of standardisation in EPAs, leading to varied requirements and timelines that disadvantage apprentices.
- Furthermore, the discussions touched upon perceptions of bias by regulatory bodies such as Ofsted, with ITPs feeling unfairly targeted compared to the more supportive approach observed with colleges.
- Reflections on the lack of 16-18 provisions following the removal of Traineeships underlining the need for more entry route provisions for young people.
All these discussions underscore a collective call for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to bridge gaps and create more inclusive, accessible pathways to apprenticeships and vocational training.
Looking Forward
The AELP CEO West Midlands Roadshow, hosted by the Pathway Group, highlighted the challenges faced by the apprenticeship and vocational education sector and celebrated the potential for positive change.
Through continued dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, there is a clear path forward to amplifying opportunities and driving meaningful progress in apprenticeships and beyond.
We are proud to have hosted and facilitated the AELP CEO West Midlands Roadshow, Ben Rowland CEO, and Simon Ashworth. It’s been an insightful two days of sharing the challenges and immense opportunities within the apprenticeship and vocational education landscape with sector colleagues.
It was great to conform with colleagues that we are poised to be committed to creating more inclusive, accessible pathways that address current disparities and pave the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Safaraz Ali, CEO and Founder of Pathway Group