UVAC is pleased to announce that Aptem will return as headline sponsor for UVAC’s 2026 National Conference.

Aptem’s continued support is a welcome continuation of a long-standing partnership with UVAC and the wider higher technical education and apprenticeship community.

Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive of UVAC, said:

“We are really pleased to welcome Aptem back as headline sponsor for our 2026 conference. Their ongoing support is hugely valued and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening higher technical education and apprenticeships. Aptem has been a valued partner over a number of years, and their involvement helps us continue to grow the conference as a key national event for the sector. We look forward to working with them again this year and welcoming them on the day.”

This year sees the UVAC National Conference 2026 on Thursday 19 November 2026. moving to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry. 

This year’s conference theme, “Reimagining HE and Skills: Policy, Place, Innovation and Growth”, reflects a sector that is very much in transition. Changes to apprenticeship funding, the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), the expansion of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), and a stronger focus on place and regional growth are all reshaping how higher-level skills are designed and delivered.

Against this backdrop, the conference will bring together universities, colleges, employers, providers and policymakers to share practice, explore challenges and look ahead at what comes next for the sector.

Heidi Marshall, Aptem’s Marketing Director ends “The UVAC National Conference is firmly in our calendar, and we’re delighted to be headline sponsor again this year. Policy, place, innovation, growth – there’s a lot to discuss. We work with universities right across the country and are growing that community all the time – so whether you know us well or are just getting to know us, we look forward to meeting up on 19 November.

Registrations for the UVAC National Conference 2026 are now open, with further announcements on speakers, sessions and exhibitors to follow.