UVAC 2025 National Conference

Join us for the UVAC 2025 Nation Conference on Thursday 20 November at the ICC, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA

Held annually, usually in the late autumn, the UVAC National Conference is a pivotal 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 we take the theme CHANGE: creating and adapting to apprenticeship and skills policy, past, present and future.

Recent ministerial announcements emphasise the crucial role of higher education (HE) in aligning with post-16 education and skills strategies, particularly in areas like higher technical and professional education, apprenticeships, HTQs, lifelong learning and progression into HE. However, the Government is not always clear on its understanding of the purpose of HE so nothing can be assumed. UVAC and its distinctive offer is key to positioning its membership voice to government and the conference is the perfect opportunity to capture this intent.

In addition to the packed programme of keynote speakers, breakout workshop and panel discussions, one of the highlights for many of our delegates at our National Conference is also the opportunity to connect and network with others working in the sector. By attending this conference you and your colleagues have even more opportunities to:

• Gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the field of higher level apprenticeships
• Connect and network with others working in the sector
• Learn from the experience and expertise of others
• Share your ideas with like-minded individuals

For anyone engaged in higher and degree apprenticeships, higher technical education, professional skills, and work-based learning this is a key event that you won’t want to miss.

We are delighted that APTEM are continuing their support of our conference, as a headline sponsor in 2025. We very much look forward to welcoming the APTEM team as part of our programme on the day, as well as to our popular conference exhibition.

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

BUD will be the first ever Registration Sponsor for our National Conference. A regular exhibitor at the conference, this new partnership will see BUD presenting a workshop, as well as taking a prime spot in the exhibition hall.

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

We are also delighted that ACE360 – Powered by Skills Federation returns to the conference as a headline sponsor.

A regular supporter of UVAC’s annual conference, the ACE360 team are once again looking forward to connecting with many of their customers and partners on the day, and meeting new faces across the sector.

Delegates at the event are invited 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