Ben Rowland, Chief Executive Officer, AELP, opening up the AELP Autumn Conference 2025 on stage
The AELP Autumn Conference 2025 brought together leaders from across the skills, employment and apprenticeships sector to discuss the major changes expected over the next 12–18 months. With the upcoming transition of apprenticeships and adult skills from the DfE to the DWP, and the proposed Growth and Skills Levy, providers are preparing for one of the most significant shifts in recent years.
Representing AKG Learning at the conference was Debbie Gardiner MBE, Managing Director and long-standing advocate for smaller providers and high quality vocational training. Debbie contributed to a panel focused on the future of skills and the vital role SMEs play in supporting the workforce of tomorrow.
The vital role of SMEs
One of the standout conversations explored how SMEs continue to underpin skills development across key sectors – especially in Early Years, health and social care, and specialist community services.
Debbie highlighted that this mirrors AKG Learning’s own approach:
“Our Early Years work is deeply rooted in supporting SMEs. They play a critical role in the skills system, and it was encouraging to see that reflected in the panel discussion.”
With interest from multiple local authorities following Essex County Council’s innovative Childminder Bootcamp, the conference reinforced the growing appetite for creative solutions to sector shortages.
Preparing for sector wide reform
Another key theme was preparing providers for the shift in responsibility from the DfE to the DWP, expected to reshape funding, assessment and regulatory frameworks.
Debbie shared:
“We’ll need to stay agile as developments unfold — from the potential Growth and Skills Levy to devolution, new Ofsted frameworks and changes to apprenticeship assessment.”
For AKG Learning, being part of the wider AKG UK Group provides a unique advantage — with expertise that spans employability, health, justice, apprenticeships and workforce development, helping learners progress from unemployment into sustainable careers with fewer barriers.
Read the full Q&A with Debbie Gardiner MBE
Debbie shares more detail on:
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emerging trends
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sector challenges
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the importance of SME engagement
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Early Years as an economic enabler
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and her advice for future panel speakers
Read the full interview here: Full Q&A: Debbie Gardiner MBE on Skills Reform and the Future of Apprenticeships
