Agenda
2025 Event Agenda
Registration
09:00 - 10:00
Registration and Networking
Attendees arrive, register, and connect with fellow professionals, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaboration.
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Start
10:00 - 10:10
Conference Starts
Co-hosts Lindsay Conroy and Kasim Choudhry welcome attendees, outline the day's agenda, and set the tone for discussions on apprenticeship branding and engagement.
Session Host
Lindsay Conroy
Lindsay Conroy
UCAS
Speaker
Kasim Choudhry
Kasim Choudhry
Pathway Group
Opening
10:10- 10:20
Opening Address
Saf Ali (Pathway Group) delivers the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of branding, accessibility, and innovation in apprenticeship programs.
Safaraz Ali
Pathway Group
Presentation
10:20 - 10:40
Widening Participation Research session
Pete Milsom (UCAS) shares key research insights on the barriers and opportunities in widening participation in apprenticeships.
Panel Chair
Pete Milsom
Pete Milsom
UCAS
Discussion
10:40 - 11:20
Panel Discussion - UCAS
Industry experts discuss the role of UCAS in making apprenticeships more accessible, focusing on outreach, application processes, and employer engagement.
Panel Chair
Pete Milsom
Pete Milsom
UCAS
Speaker
Joanna Hughes
Joanna Hughes
Joanna Hughes
Solicitor Apprenticeships
Speaker
Santina Bunting
Santina Bunting
Arup
Speaker
Bilal Arshad
Bilal Arshad
Cundall
Speaker
Hannah Rashidi
Hannah Rashidi
BT Group
Break
11:20 - 11:40
Break &
Meet the Exhibitors
A chance for attendees to grab refreshments and network with peers.
Presentation
11:40 - 12:00
Youth Future Foundation Raising apprenticeship participation rates in ethnically diverse young people - what works for employers
Annum Mahmood and Sophie Hall (Youth Future Foundation) present strategies and employer best practices for increasing apprenticeship participation among ethnically diverse young people.
Session Host
Annum Mahmood
Annum Mahmood
Youth Future Foundation
Speaker
Sophie Hall
Sophie Hall
Youth Future Foundation
Discussion
12:00 - 12:30
Youth Future Foundation Panel
A panel of experts explores practical solutions for improving diversity and inclusion in apprenticeships, sharing employer-led initiatives and success stories.
Session Host
Annum Mahmood
Annum Mahmood
Youth Future Foundation
Speaker
Sophie Hall
Sophie Hall
Youth Future Foundation
Speaker
Umara Ramzan
Umara Ramzan
Royal Mail
Speaker
Lucy Hunte
Lucy Hunte
NHS England
Lunch
12:30 - 13:30
Break:
Lunch & Networking
Session
13:30 - 14:15
Sell your Apprenticeships through Apprentices
Apprentices share their experiences and discuss how storytelling can be used as a powerful tool to promote apprenticeship programs.
Panel Chair
Anna Morrison
Anna Morrison
Amazing Apprenticeships
Speaker
Romario Ellis
Romario Ellis
Outer Circle
Speaker
Irsa Hussain
Irsa Hussain
Vialto
Speaker
Bethany Taylor
Bethany Taylor
Eversheds-Sutherland
Discussion
14:15 - 14:55
What does good Engagement look like?
Experts from various industries discuss best practices for engaging young people, employers, and training providers in apprenticeship programs.
Panel Chair
Charlotte Bosworth
Charlotte Bosworth
Innovate Awarding
Speaker
Fiona Aldridge
Fiona Aldridge
FISS
Speaker
Jonathan Foot
Jonathan Foot
Compass Group UK & I
Speaker
Scarlett Allen-Horton
Scarlett Allen-Horton
Harper Fox Partners
Speaker
Pat Carvahlo
Pat Carvahlo
Association of Colleges
Break
14:55 - 15:15
Break &
Meet the Exhibitors
Session
15:15 - 15:45
AI & Tech
Panelists explore how AI and technology are transforming apprenticeship recruitment, training, and career pathways.
Panel Chair
Phil Chater
Phil Chater
Protean
Speaker
Derrin Kent
Derrin Kent
The Development Manager
Session
15:45 - 16:20
Building Brand Apprenticeships
Industry leaders discuss how to effectively market apprenticeships and build strong employer brands to attract top talent.
Panel Chair
Kasim Choudhry
Kasim Choudhry
Pathway Group/ThinkFest
Speaker
Ricky Leaves
Ricky Leaves
British Airways
Close
16:20 - 16:30
Closing Address & Summary
Jagdeep Soor reflects on key takeaways from the conference and shares closing remarks on the future of apprenticeships.
Panel Chair
Jagdeep Soor
Jagdeep Soor
Multicultural Apprenticeship
& Skills Alliance
Session
16:30 - 17:00
Path 2 Apprenticeships
Kasim Choudhry will be speaking to Jonathan Foot about Path2 Apprenticeships, a platform designed to connect apprentices with employers and training providers.
Panel Chair
Kasim Choudhry
Kasim Choudhry
Pathway Group/ThinkFest
Networking
17:00
Apprentice Meet Up/Reception
An informal networking session for apprentices and employers to connect, share experiences, and explore opportunities.
Close
18:30
Closing
280+
Conference Guests
30+
Apprenticeship leading experts
19+
Exhibitors
