This blog is written by SDN’s Managing Director – Colin Bentwood.
“In case you missed my talk at the Apprenticeship Conference in February– Taming the Apprenticeship Beast: strategies for resistance and complexity – I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you here.
Like you, I’ve been watching the apprenticeship sector evolve for years. And let me tell you, the pace of change right now is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We’re not just spinning plates; we’ve got a whole restaurant above our heads!
From YTS to Modern Apprenticeships, from T Levels to Apprenticeship Standards. Some initiatives last, others fade. We’re not just witnessing another shift—we’re in the middle of the biggest transformation yet. The question is: Do we shape the future, or do we just react to it?
We’re dealing with changes in EPA, Ofsted’s tailored inspections, flexible English and maths requirements, shorter apprenticeship durations, Skills England and more. Employer expectations are changing rapidly and they want training that’s faster, more relevant, more cost-effective and more flexible. If we don’t deliver, they’ll find alternatives.
The impact of technology
Generative AI has already boosted my productivity by 50% in just 10 weeks. In the next year – probably sooner – AI-driven automation will transform apprenticeship delivery. Those who embrace it can increase productivity, cut costs and become more adaptable. AI won’t replace people, but it will free us to focus on what truly matters: teaching, supporting learners, engaging employers and getting apprentices on the path to steady, long-term careers.
The Greek philosopher Socrates was critical of writing, believing it wasn’t an effective way to communicate knowledge. He thought in-person communication was the only option. Where would we be if we had resisted the technological revolution of the written word?
That said, we must be mindful of how our thinking evolves. Consider the impact of satnav on our map-reading skills. Will we lose essential cognitive abilities in the process? We need to stay in control of how AI shapes our decisions and processes. Proceed with caution – but proceed, nonetheless.
How to lead, not react
On the topic of forging forward, it can be tough to lead, not just to react. Funding uncertainties, unclear policies, workforce shortages—it’s easy to be reactive. Too many providers are still in survival mode. And I get it – but the best providers aren’t driven by fear. They don’t scramble for compliance, chase funding, or wait for stability. Instead, they:
- Put quality and impact first
- See employer engagement as essential
- Invest in leadership and management
Waiting for things to settle down isn’t an option. Employers want faster, more tailored training —if we don’t deliver, they’ll do it themselves. The new Government and Regional devolution is going to make funding complex to navigate. Workforce shortages in our industry are going to mean finding and retaining talent that we can afford will be tougher than ever.
So, what do we need?
- Stronger networks – collaborating not competing. Creating partnerships, sharing and building a genuine provider-led apprenticeship programme that serves the nation as a whole.
- Better professional development – equipping staff to adapt to rapid change.
- Real digital transformation – using AI and automation where it truly adds value. Adapt to new technologies, not just for apprenticeship delivery, but also to give the apprentices the technological skills they will need in their careers.
Making change work for apprentices
Reflect on how you are adapting to sector changes and how you can use new flexibilities, technology and delivery methods to make a difference to your apprentice retention and success rates.
On the whole, apprentices want to learn skills that are in demand and will set them up for success, and this is why keeping up with change on a wider scale is so crucial. It directly impacts apprentices’ long-term career prospects – retention starts with relevance.
By embracing new technologies and adapting to industry changes, you’re showing apprentices that you’re invested in their future. Apprentices who feel prepared and supported are more likely to stay in their chosen field and build lasting careers.
A word of caution (and encouragement)
The best providers lead with purpose, not fear. The ones that succeed are student-driven, employer-driven, and impact-driven. We have a small window to shape the future—waiting isn’t an option.
Let’s work together to shape the future of apprenticeships.”
How SDN can help you through sector changes
As Colin has mentioned, we are seeing changes at an unprecedented rate, and we know that having easy-to-access support and CPD is critical during this period. Take a look below for a few of the ways SDN can support you through some of these changes.
The Ofsted Inspection Framework
Ofsted launched the much-anticipated consultation on proposed changes for FE and Skills inspections. It follows Ofsted’s “The Big Listen”, which set out a series of key changes in how it inspects education and skills providers.
With the new Ofsted inspection framework coming, you’ll need to be able to navigate the change confidently. That’s why – with our partners at Mesma – all our online Ofsted framework change events will be free to attend throughout 2025.
These sessions will help you:
- Digest the latest updates when they happen
- Understand what they mean in practice
- Prepare for the new inspections with confidence.
Watch the recording of Session 1: ‘Unpacking Ofsted’s New Proposals: A Practical Walkthrough’ here.
Register your free place on Session 2: ‘Unpacking Ofsted’s new proposals – Inclusion’ here.
To access future sessions, subscribe to our mailing list, and we’ll let you know as soon as events are live.
Apprenticeship Funding Rules 25/26
Following the DfE announcement that the 2025/26 Apprenticeship funding rules will now be released in May – with no draft release – we have revised our plans for our annual ‘implementing the changes’ series, facilitated by sector expert David Lockhart-Hawkins. We’ve added an additional webinar – at no extra charge – making this a 3-part approach. This will help you lay the best foundations heading into August.
Our revised series includes:
Session 1 – Laying the ground (2 June)
• Break down the funding rule changes
• Explore the impact for providers
• Identify key risks across your organisation
Session 2 – Detailed implementation (3 July)
• The funding rule changes impact on the learner journey
• Specific changes to make (ILR, funding administration & management)
• Practical adaptions (systems, processes & templates)
• Q&A with funding expert
• Detailed implementation action plan for you to work through
Session 3 – Supporting change (28 July)
• Updates & clarifications
• Quality perspectives
• Final Q&A with funding expert
For full details, & to book your place, visit the events page.
End-Point Assessment
The Department for Education also recently announced a series of apprenticeship assessment changes, with the aim of streamlining and simplifying the system.
The DfE indicated, for example, that training providers and employers will soon have greater involvement in aspects of their apprentices’ assessment.
From April, standards will be reviewed and updated to allow for apprentice assessments during their course rather than having to wait until the end, and assessment plans will be streamlined, containing only the ‘must haves for occupational currency’.
SDN offers a Level 3 award in undertaking end-point assessment, facilitated by assessment experts, Chris Cherry and Emily Hughes. We will be updating the course content to cover these latest changes as they become clearer.
Our next course starts in April – do join us!
Get in touch with the team to see how we can tailor support to your organisation, either through in-house CPD, consultancy or group tickets to our roster of events.