Join us on Thursday 19 November 2026 for UVAC’s National Conference, where leaders, practitioners, employers and providers will come together to explore one of the most pressing questions facing the sector: how do we reimagine higher education and skills amid rapid policy change and growing opportunity?

The higher technical and professional skills landscape is undergoing fundamental change. Shifts in apprenticeship funding policy, the withdrawal of support for some Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships, and the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), alongside the rising importance of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and the government’s ambitions around growth, devolution and place, are creating both significant challenges and genuine opportunities for universities, colleges, employers and providers across England.

UVAC’s 2026 National Conference, themed Reimagining HE and Skills: Policy, Place, Innovation and Growth, is a must-attend event for those leading, delivering and shaping the future of higher skills. The conference brings together academics, practitioners, employers and service providers for a day of practical, outcomes-focused discussion, innovation and forward-looking action.

The programme will feature keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, opportunities to engage with key suppliers, and dedicated space to network with peers and decision-makers from across the sector. Attendees can expect fresh ideas, constructive challenge and practical insight to support their work in advancing higher technical and professional education.

Registrations are now open and we will be making more announcements about speakers, workshops and exhibitors for the conference soon. 

New Conference Venue for 2026

After several years in Birmingham this year will see our flagship event moving to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, a venue that’s purpose very much aligns with our own core mission of supporting apprenticeships at every level. Through MTC Training, the MTC delivers high-quality Level 2, 3, and 4 apprenticeship programmes designed to equip learners with the skills needed for high-value manufacturing careers. Training is delivered from the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC), a state-of-the-art facility equipped with industry-standard technologies and expert trainers.Crucially, income generated from events hosted at the AMTC is reinvested directly into apprenticeship training each year. 

READ more about how MTC is Funding the Future of Great British Manufacturing 

Headline Sponsor

UVAC is pleased to welcome back Aptem as headline sponsor for this year’s 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.

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

Registration Sponsor 

UVAC is delighted to announce that CogniSoft will be the Registration Sponsor for our National Conference 2026 this autumn.

With over 35 years’ experience specialising in Learner Management Systems, CogniSoft has played an important role in helping providers and employers deliver high-quality learning programmes. Their YETI platform delivers an end-to-end apprenticeship and skills delivery solution, including comprehensive funding and reporting functionality, enabling tutors to manage their caseloads efficiently and learners to view their progress with ease.

Read more about CogniSoft HERE

Welcoming our Partner Exhibitors

The Partner Exhibitor is a new sponsorship opportunity at this year’s conference and we are delighted that they will be sharing their expertise and giving delegates the opportunity to learn more about the products, services and support available to the higher education, skills and workforce sector.

Refreshments Sponsor

Great conversations, fresh ideas and meaningful networking frequently start over a good cup of coffee or tea! A long-standing supporter and familiar face at UVAC’s conference exhibition, Bud is stepping into the role of official Refreshments Sponsor this year.

Bud is the end-to-end SaaS platform that powers funded skills delivery in HE. They help providers deliver diverse provision with confidence: connecting compliance, quality, and learner progress in one joined up system.

Lunch Sponsor 

Think and UVAC have an established partnership, and we are pleased to see that relationship deepen further, with Think now stepping into a new role as sponsor of our conference lunch. Neil Jenkinson, Marketing Director at Think, comments:

“Think and UVAC share a belief that lifelong learning, skills development and innovation are essential to future success. Through collaboration, we can help organisations unlock potential, embrace change and build the workforce of tomorrow.”

UVAC’s 2026 National Conference: Reimagining HE and Skills – Policy, Place, Innovation and Growth is essential for anyone committed to the future of higher skills.

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