Degree apprenticeships and higher technical education conference 2023

Professor Steve West CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, and President, Universities UK

• The Rt Hon Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education 

• Jennifer Coupland, Chief Executive, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)
• Greg Wade, Policy Manager, Universities UK

• Greg Wade, Policy Manager, Universities UK 

• Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive Officer, University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC)
• Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University 
• Saad Butt, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, Babcock International Group
• Lucy Hunte, National Programme Manager - Apprenticeships, Health Education England
• Tom Errington, Head of Apprenticeship Standards and Content, Department for Education

Universities have demonstrated that they provide high-quality apprenticeships that are highly rated by apprentices. How can we capitalise on their success and demonstrate their value even further for future growth? This panel discussion, made up of key stakeholders, will discuss how to boost the degree apprenticeship provision across the sector.  

• Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Business and Enterprise Sheffield Hallam University 
• Maighréad Hegarty, Associate Dean of Apprenticeships, Staffordshire University
• Helen Ure, Head of Work-based and Professional Learning, University of Warwick
• Chair: Dr. David Oloke, Head of Technical Education and Apprenticeships, University of Brighton

What does good practice in degree apprenticeships design and delivery look like? This session will look at preparing for Ofsted inspections and QAA’s project which aims to develop and disseminate good practice guidelines which offer positive student outcomes.

• Anthony Painter, Director of Policy and External Affairs, Chartered Management Institute (CMI) 
• Professor René Koglbauer, Dean of Lifelong Learning and Professional Practice, Newcastle University
• Dr Kate Asante, Director of Business Development & Engagement, University of Hertfordshire
• Chair: Greg Wade, Policy Manager, Universities UK

Apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications (HTQ’s) are key to boosting productivity and growth and local partnerships benefit local economies. With businesses benefiting from placed-based strategies such as local skills improvement plans, how can degree apprenticeships and HTQ’s continue to be transformative for local economies?

• Ben Jordan, Head of Policy, UCAS 
• Sam Moorwood, Head of Work Based Learning, Designated Safeguarding Officer for Apprenticeships, Sheffield Hallam University
• Arooj Ali, Trainee Site Manager, BAM Construction Ltd and Student, Construction Management Practice BSc, Sheffield Hallam University 
• Chris Wood, Apprentice, Sheffield Hallam University
• Isa Mutlib, Founder, Careers Camp and former CEO, The BAME Apprenticeship Alliance 
• Chair: Kerry McGreavy, Head of Apprenticeships, Coventry University

Degree Apprenticeships could be used as a driver for social mobility and access to higher education, but it is not yet being recognised for its full potential. Students who are interested in undergraduate study and degree apprenticeships may not be receiving enough information to help them make an informed choice. This session will discuss how to improve widening participation and inclusion in degree apprenticeships, including improving information about choices at degree level.

• David Drury, Degree Apprenticeship Manager, Nottingham Trent University 

• Liza Julian, Director of Corporate Services, RJA Consultants  

• George Pain, 4th year Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveyor) Apprentice 

• Scott Young, Director, Corporate Services, Red Eye 
• Sufyan Khurram, Apprentice Software Developer, Red Eye 
• Chair: Liz Gorb, Director of Apprenticeships, Manchester Metropolitan University 

SME’s could be the ideal place for degree apprenticeships to thrive, however, there are barriers that prevent engagement and participation. In this session we will hear from providers that have successful SME partnerships and what can be done to enable more universities to deliver degree apprenticeships to SME’s.  

• Professor Steve West CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, and President, Universities UK

• Cheryl Mendes, Joint Head of Higher Technical Education Providers Team, Department for Education 

• Cheryl Mendes, Joint Head of Higher Technical Education Providers Team, Department for Education 
• Professor Liz Cleaver, UVAC Associate and Principal Consultant, Elizabeth Cleaver Consulting Limited  
• Dr Arti Saraswat, Senior Policy Manager, Higher Education, Association of Colleges 

In our final session of the day, this panel discussion will update on the current state of play with Higher Technical Education, where it is going next and how the system should link up in the future.

• Professor Steve West CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, and President, Universities UK