The AELP National Conference 2025, held on 23–24 June at Novotel London West, brought together sector leaders, policymakers and providers for two days of insight, action and connection. With the theme “Delivering the Promise, Owning the Future”, the event focused on turning commitments into outcomes and shaping a skills system fit for the future.
Gateway Qualifications was proud to play a leading role across the conference – from hosting workshops and being the Funding Zone sponsor, to sharing our voice on the main stage.
Trust and flexibility must underpin the skills system
Gateway Qualifications CEO, Fabienne Bailey, joined a panel on the main stage to reflect on Day One and share our perspective. She emphasised the importance of trust and flexibility in the skills system – a message that resonated throughout the conference.
This theme was echoed in our workshop on tackling the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) challenge, delivered in partnership with Youth Employment UK, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), SCL and AELP. The session was standing room only and highlighted the need for funding models that support flexible, learner-centred approaches. Speakers including Stuart Allen from SCL, Sharon Weetman from GMCA, Lauren Mistry from Youth Employment UK and Paul Stanard from AELP shared powerful insights on the importance of building trust with young people and supporting them through non-linear learning journeys.
The slides from the workshop are available to download here:
How ITPs can help tackle the NEET crisis – Workshop slides
And you can read more about the work of Youth Employment UK and SCL’s groundbreaking approach in our case study leaflet, How ITPs can support NEET Learners, which delegates were keen to take away at the end of the session.
EPA reform: clarity needed, voices needed
The Ofqual consultation on End-point Assessment (EPA) reform was a major talking point. While the consultation is open to all, not just Awarding Organisations AOs), concerns were raised about the risk of inconsistent models and pricing. The regulator suggested 40 per cent of the assessment should be marked by AOs. There was a strong call for sector bodies to help ensure consistency and avoid a “race to the bottom” for apprenticeship assessment.
Delegates also discussed the practical implications of EPA reform, including how Gateway is reached, the timing of invoicing, and the relationship between providers and EPAOs. These changes could significantly impact funding flows and operational models.
Gateway Qualifications will be responding to the consultation and encourages others across the sector to do the same.
Industrial Strategy released during the conference
While delegates gathered in London, the government released its new Industrial Strategy – setting out a long-term vision for economic growth through skills, innovation and business investment. The strategy prioritises the “8+2” sectors and includes plans to allow apprenticeship levy funding to cover short courses in digital and AI from April 2026.
The announcement sparked discussion throughout the conference, with many welcoming the focus on future skills but calling for greater clarity and collaboration in how these new opportunities will be developed and delivered. A £2,000 employer incentive for foundation apprenticeships was also highlighted as a positive step to support young people into work.
Calling the sector to tackle the workforce essential digital skills gap
Gateway Qualifications and AELP co-hosted a session with FutureDotNow in the Innovation Zone, focusing on the importance of improving the essential digital skills of the 22 million employed adults who need support in developing these capabilities. Naomi O’Neill from Amey outlined how they are tackling the challenge of upskilling their workforce, noting that even manual roles such as pothole repair now require digital proficiency. Holly Chate, Chief Operating Officer of FutureDotNow, highlighted the scale of the challenge and how the organisation, alongside partners such as AELP and Gateway Qualifications, is breaking it down into focused workstreams.
Our sector faces a dual challenge: addressing our own digital skills gap – with 48% of employees in the education sector lacking all 20 essential digital skills – while also supporting employers across all sectors to train their staff.
There wasn’t time in the workshop to cover all sectors in detail, so a fuller set of slides, including many not shown during the session, is available here:
Working together to close the workforce essential digital skills gap – Workshop slides
You can also watch our recent webinar with FutureDotNow on demand.
The Funding Zone sparked valuable conversations
As sponsors of the Funding Zone, Gateway Qualifications created a space for meaningful dialogue, which drew in a steady stream of visitors.
A poll of attendees revealed that “levy flex” was seen as both the biggest opportunity and the biggest concern – underlining the need for clear guidance and timelines from policymakers.
The results highlighted how policy announcements can generate both excitement and anxiety when detail is lacking.
The stand also provided a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones. We had some fantastic conversations with delegates from across the sector, many of whom were keen to learn more about our work and share their own insights.
Our Plinko game proved a popular attraction, drawing in a wide range of participants. Congratulations to the lucky winners of the iPad and AirPods – and thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the stand such a lively and engaging space.
Learners brought the conference to life
A standout moment came during the Skills and Grills networking event, where learners from SCL and KTCo Performing Arts delivered three incredible performances that energised and inspired delegates. Their creativity and confidence were a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education and training.
Earlier in the day, SCL also led innovative sport and fitness activations in the Learn Zone, showcasing their unique approach to post-16 education. Adding to the excitement, these learners had the opportunity to meet and speak with Dame Kelly Holmes, sharing how their education experiences are shaping their futures. Their enthusiasm and pride were clear to see, and their presence added a vibrant and authentic voice to the conference.
On Day Two, hair and beauty students demonstrated their technical skills through live demonstrations, impressing delegates with their professionalism and talent. These learners brought a practical and creative energy to the event, reinforcing the value of vocational education and the importance of showcasing learner achievement.
Dame Kelly Holmes inspired us all
A highlight for many was the keynote speech from Dame Kelly Holmes. Her story of resilience, mental health challenges and personal growth struck a chord with delegates. She spoke candidly about her journey, including years of self-doubt and the courage it took to come out as a gay woman at 52. Her message about the importance of supporting learners whose lives don’t follow a straight path resonated deeply with the conference’s wider themes.
Final Thoughts
The sector is full of positive energy from people wanting to do the right thing to help learners succeed! The will is there, the framework to deliver is still under construction! We left the conference energised and inspired – and more committed than ever to working in partnership across the sector to build a skills system that’s inclusive, agile and ready for the future.