We are delighted to now share this year’s UVAC National Conference’s programme* and we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s packed with informative and engaging talks, presentations, and workshops!

The theme of this year’s conference is Going for Growth: Productivity, Policy and Performance in Higher and Degree Apprenticeship, and we have a programme featuring a range of informative and engaging talks, presentations including:

• 6 keynote speakers
• 2 whole conference workshops 
• 15 breakout workshops 

With such a full schedule we know that at this year’s UVAC conference it’s going to be hard to choose your sessions and that’s why, whether you join us in person or online, you’ll have access to every session recording, plus all the bonus exhibitor resources after the conference.

MORNING SESSION

BREAKFAST, EXHIBITION AND NETWORKING

Welcome – Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee Chief Executive UVAC

MORNING KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS

Co-creating Apprenticeship programmes with Employers; University of Exeter in conversation with Amazon – Associate Prof. Rachael Johnstone University of Exeter,  Jo Simovic Amazon, Sarah Tudor. University of Exeter Business School 

Together Jo, Rachael and Sarah will discuss their approach co-creating apprenticeship programmes through Intent, Implementation and Impact and share their own perspectives to developing and ensuring quality of apprenticeship programmes. Through their ‘in conversation’ they will explore the importance of partnerships and welcome questions from delegates too.

AI and what it means to learning and assessment -Erica Farmer Quantum Rise

In this keynote presentation Erica will be specifically addressing AI artificial intelligence, exploring ChatGPT and what this means to teaching and learning and assessment strategies. Alongside her colleague, Hayley Bird,  Erica will also be running an interactive breakout session, later in the day, which will give you an opportunity to learn about the practical application of using generative AI, such as chat to GPT.

WHOLE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Opportunities for growth that integrating AI / Large Language Models (LLM) into higher apprenticeship offerings can afford – Panel Session hosted by Event Sponsors APTEM

Streamlining apprenticeship delivery framed around the apprentice experience to improve productivity, performance and inform apprenticeship management system requirements – Hosted by Event Sponsors FISSS

BREAKOUT SESSION ONE

Choose one session from the following: 

1. Recognition of Prior Learning and accelerated degree apprenticeships – Helen Pokorny University of Hertfordshire  

2. Driving Growth by Delivering Exceptional Apprenticeship Provision: A Step Change for HE? – Lou Doyle MESMA Dan Lally Sheffield Hallam 

3. University Managing the compliance risk during growth – scaling provision and avoiding the common pitfalls -David Lockhart-Hawkins Strategic Development Network

4. Surfacing The Practices of Apprenticeship Tripartite Reviewer/Coaches In Business Schools -Dr Helen Charlton Northumbria University Dr Phil Power -Mason Hertfordshire Business School 

5. AI for the Average Joe in Education: A Practical Workshop using ChatGPT – bring your Creativity, Laptops and Phones!’ – Erica Farmer & Hayley Bird Quantum Rise

AFTERNOON SESSION

BREAKOUT SESSION TWO

Choose one session from the following: 

1.Going for Growth: Productivity, Policy and Performance in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. A model for managing growth – Jane Welbourn Lee Jones Leeds Beckett 

2. How to get MORE mileage with the handbrake up: Higher Degree Apprenticeships – Dr Trevor Gerhardt Kent Business School Becky Quew-Jones University of Portsmouth 
3. All you need to know about Higher Technical Qualifications – David Rowley NCFE Prof. Liz Cleaver UVAC
4. Supporting high quality at a time of growth: Using a systems-thinking approach to determine quality system requirements in university delivered higher and degree apprenticeships – Andy King Nottingham Trent University
5. Enhancing Productivity, Policy Implementation and Performance by integrating the Apprentice Learner Journey within the University Student Experience Framework – Dr David Oloke University of Brighton

BREAKOUT SESSION THREE

Choose one session from the following: 

1. Degree Apprenticeships in England: motivations of degree apprentices and employers -Dana Dabbous Andrea Laczik Josh Patel Edge Foundation 

2. Exploring the potential of work- based projects carried out as part of degree apprenticeships to contribute to workplace productivity – Prof. Jonathan Garnett Garnett Professional Development Paula Reynier Leeds Trinity University 

3. Upskilling Graduates of Degree apprentices: finding workplace solutions in learning in and from practice – Dr Sue Elmer Katie Simpson Leeds Trinity University 

4. Widening Participation in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships – Associate Prof. Rachael Johnstone University of Exeter Karen Squire University of Exeter Business School 

5. ‘Rebuilding high performance leadership following the great resignation’ – Prof. Elaine Limond University College Birmingham

AFTERNOON  KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

 Degree Apprenticeships and Levy 2.0 – Anthony Painter CMI

The UK is facing an urgent requirement for rapid upskilling to meet the needs of the economy and address skills mismatches at all levels. But many of the suggested levy reforms to-date risk reducing the number of apprenticeships on offer and diluting the quality and impact of those apprenticeships. This session will discuss options for an adapted levy system that could support a meaningful expansion of employer-led training at all ages and stages across the UK.

Final Keynote 

Sam Callear, Deputy Director of Policy,  IfATE

*This agenda is subject to change and Changes may occur up until the start of the conference