The future of apprenticeships in Wales will be the focus of a conference in Cardiff, bringing together employers, training providers and education leaders to examine forthcoming reforms to the system.
Organised by Policy Insight Wales, The Future of Apprenticeships Wales Conference will take place on Tuesday 24 November 2026, from 9am to 3pm at Cardiff Marriott Hotel.
The one-day event will explore changes planned for August 2027, including a new delivery approach, funding model and apprenticeship framework structure, alongside opportunities to make the system more responsive to employer needs.
Discussions will consider how apprenticeships can help address skills shortages, improve workforce development and create more flexible opportunities for learners and businesses, particularly SMEs.
Key topics will include:
- Reforms to apprenticeships: preparing for the new system in August 2027
- The impact of wider tertiary education reform: blended learning, modularisation, and credit transfer between FE, HE, and apprenticeships
- Improving quality, completion rates, and sustained employment outcomes for apprentices
- Funding and investment models: ensuring sustainability, value for money, and stronger incentives for priority skills delivery
- Removing barriers for underrepresented groups, diverse learners, and rural communities to improve uptake of apprenticeships
- Demystifying the apprenticeship pathway and raising awareness of apprenticeships through careers advice and guidance
- The requirements of Learner Engagement Code
- Creating incentives for employers, particularly SMEs, to take on apprentices
- Best practice examples from Regional Skills Partnerships (RSP)
The conference will also examine how apprenticeships can address emerging skills gaps across sectors including digital, engineering, advanced manufacturing, energy, health, social care, creative industries and media.
Contributors include representatives from Careers Wales, Transport for Wales, the Federation of Small Businesses, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, GE Aerospace and regional skills partnerships.
The event is aimed at employers, apprenticeship and work-based learning providers, further and higher education leaders, HR professionals and those responsible for skills, employability and workforce development.
Find out more, view the full conference agenda and book a place at The Future of Apprenticeships Wales Conference here.
