UVAC is the foremost authority on higher and degree apprenticeships, technical, and professional education and its mission is to provide an independent voice for its members, championing higher level vocational learning and supporting institutions in skills delivery.
As a not-for-profit membership organisation our members include universities, awarding bodies, and tech ed businesses. UVAC champions higher level vocational learning and supports Higher Education Institutions in delivering skills, apprenticeships, and technical education, emphasizing work-based routes and valuing experiential and reflective learning. UVAC influences learning quality through research and collaboration with institutions, employers, and governments to enhance graduate employability.
Our Story
The University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) was formed in 1999 as a not-for-profit representative and support organisation by the HE sector and is run by the HE sector for the HE sector. We provide an independent voice for our members on matters relating to technical and professional higher level learning including higher and degree apprenticeship. UVAC has a membership of approximately 90, including universities of all types, sizes and mission groups, higher education institutions, awarding and professional bodies, tech ed businesses and individuals.
Our Mission
Our mission is to champion higher level vocational learning and exists to support Higher Education Institutions play a full role in the delivery of skills, apprenticeship, technical education and professional education provision.
Our Services
To support the higher education sector in delivering Degree Apprenticeships and higher technical skills programs, UVAC offers a range of services:
Briefings: Offering updates and insights on policy developments, funding opportunities, and best practices in vocational education.
Webinars and Q&As: Delivering interactive online sessions to disseminate information and answer queries related to Degree Apprenticeships and technical education.
Guidance and Research: Conducting research and providing guidance documents to inform and support the implementation of vocational programs.
Annual Contracts and Templates: Developing standardized contracts and templates to streamline processes for institutions and employers.
Higher Education Reporting in Apprenticeships (HERA): An intuitive platform offering comprehensive insights into higher and degree apprenticeships. HERA provides UVAC university members with valuable data analysis and market intelligence, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Degree Apprenticeship Knowledge Networks (DAKNs): Collaborative forums across various subject areas, facilitating the sharing of best practices, policy updates, and collaborative problem-solving among higher education practitioners and academics. These networks support continuous improvement in apprenticeship delivery.
Centre for Degree Apprenticeship Publications: Publishing resources to support the development and delivery of Degree Apprenticeships.
Support for Employer Groups and Providers: Assisting in the development and expansion of Degree Apprenticeship offerings.
Surgeries: Providing tailored support sessions to address specific challenges faced by institutions and employers.
Support for Regulators: Collaborating with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and quality assurance in vocational education.
Monitoring and Advising on Policy: Keeping abreast of and providing advice on policies from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Through these services, UVAC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of vocational education, ensuring that programs meet the needs of employers and contribute to the government’s productivity and social mobility agendas.
Joining UVAC
Membership with UVAC provides institutions with expert guidance, policy insights, and a platform to influence the future of vocational education, as well as a number of exclusive membership benefits
