Thank you to everyone who joined us for an incredible day at our national conference on Thursday 20 November at the ICC, Birmingham. 

As a flagship event in the sector, the UVAC national conference brings together leaders and practitioners from across higher and degree apprenticeships, higher technical education, professional skills, and work-based learning.

Held annually, usually in the late autumn, the UVAC National Conference is a key event for professionals involved in higher and degree apprenticeships, higher technical education, professional skills, and work-based learning. It offers a platform to engage with policy updates, innovative practices, and research in the sector. The conference facilitates networking with like-minded individuals and industry leaders, providing insights into the evolving landscape of vocational education.

This year’s theme our theme was “CHANGE: Creating and Adapting to Apprenticeship and Skills Policy – Past, Present and Future” and over 250 delegates joined us to discuss the shifting landscape of post-16 education and skills policy, and the critical role of higher education in driving innovation, inclusion, and growth

UVAC Associate, Ann Minton has written and shared her reflections on the UVAC National Conference 2025, which are available to download and read.

Download the  UVAC 2025 Programme

Meet our Sponsors

We were delighted that APTEM  continued their support as a headline sponsor in 2025. 

Aptem Apprentice, the leading end-to-end apprenticeship delivery system for the HE sector, is used by 51% of universities with an established apprenticeship provision and nearly 100,000 learners daily. Underpinned by unrivalled sector expertise, Aptem uses the latest technology to help you enrol high volumes of students, meet Ofsted/ESFA requirements, and confidently evidence progression and completion.  

Read more about APTEM HERE

We’re delighted that ACE360 – Powered by Skills Federation returned to the conference as a headline sponsor.

A regular supporter of UVAC’s annual conference, the ACE360 team had a busy day connecting with many of their customers and partners on the day, and meeting new faces across the sector. Delegates were able to visit the ACE360 stand and speak to the team about their upcoming innovations: ACE360 Connect and ACE360 Circle – two powerful new features set to redefine how providers and End-Point Assessment Organisations collaborate.

Read more about ACE360 – Powered by Skills Federation HERE 

We were delighted that BUD was our first ever Registration Sponsor.

A regular exhibitor at the conference, BUD’s new role as Registration Sponsor saw them presenting a workshop, as well as taking a prime spot in the exhibition hall.  

Delegates to the conference exhibition met their team and discovered why Bud is not just a platform; it’s a holistic solution designed to bring together all aspects of apprenticeship and skills training management. From initial enrolment to final assessment, Bud provides a seamless, integrated experience for trainers, learners, and administrators alike. 

Bud is built on a foundation of simplicity, compliance, and consistency, as well as the knowledge gained from real-life experience, managing large-scale delivery. With over 70,000 active learners and 95,000+ monthly logins, Bud Systems is committed to enhancing the management of funded training through innovative technology.

Read more about BUD HERE 

OneAdvanced joined us as  the Drinks Reception Sponsor for Conference.

OneAdvanced Education works in partnership with universities, colleges, and training providers to deliver digital solutions that improve the student journey and enhance institutional performance. From admissions and learner management to finance and compliance, our education-focused technologies are designed to simplify complex processes, improve efficiency, and free up valuable time for staff and learners alike. By combining sector expertise with innovation, we help universities deliver exceptional student experiences, meet regulatory demands, and adapt with confidence to an increasingly competitive and fast-changing higher education landscape.

Read more about OneAdvanced