Thought Pieces is a space where UVAC associates share reflections on higher-level skills, apprenticeships, and higher education’s vital role in their delivery.
Building on UVAC’s established series of concept and discussion papers, these thought-provoking commentaries explore the conceptual journey of higher and degree apprenticeships, wider skills policy, and the evolution of professional education in universities.
The latest national apprenticeship achievement rates (NARTs) show that overall achievement has reached 65.4%, representing a 4.9 percentage point increase on the previous year and a significant recovery from 51.4% just a few years ago. While this falls just short of the government’s ambition of 67%, and with calls from Pat McFadden to exceed 70% […]
Past Thought Leadership Pieces
Generative AI, Work and Apprenticeships: Why the Skills System Must Move Faster
16 March, 2026T-Shaped and Future-Ready: T Levels are Delivering on Progression and Promise
18 December, 2025Reflections on UVAC national conference 2025
2 December, 2025Preparing NHS Apprentices for the Real Work of Leadership
28 November, 2025Navigating the Post-16 Skills Landscape: UVAC Summit Highlights Opportunity and Collaboration
28 November, 2025Autumn budget: UVAC Response
26 November, 2025‘Beyond the Levy: Future-Proofing NHS Workforce Pipelines’ Tammie Harwin
31 October, 2025