AELP Autumn Conference 2025 Panel discussion: ‘Collaboration through change – How can employers and providers work together’
Following her participation in the AELP Autumn Conference 2025, we sat down with Debbie Gardiner MBE, Managing Director of AKG Learning, to explore her reflections on the future of apprenticeships and the changing skills landscape.
1. What motivated you to join the panel discussion?
“As an elected AELP board member for small providers, I am passionate about advocating for their voices as the sector navigates significant change. SMEs play a vital role in developing young people’s skills and contributing to the wider economy.
Sectors like Early Years are also essential to the Industrial Strategy, enabling parents to work in priority areas and laying the educational foundation for children. It’s important this perspective is represented.”
2. Could you walk us through a key moment or insight from the panel that you feel is particularly relevant for AKG Learning’s current focus?
“One key moment was the discussion around the critical role of SME employers in apprenticeships and skills development. Our Early Years approach is deeply rooted in working with SMEs, and it was encouraging to see this recognised.
It was also clear that we have a distinct advantage as part of AKG UK – especially with AKG Employment as our sister company. Now that our provision is fully DWP funded, we can support individuals from unemployment into employment with fewer barriers and a much clearer pathway.”
3. How would you describe the importance of being part of these sector-wide conversations for an organisation like AKG Learning?
“AKG Learning’s integration within the wider AKG UK Group gives us expertise across DWP and DfE funding, apprenticeships, employability, health and justice programmes.
Bringing these perspectives into sector-wide conversations strengthens our profile, supports our reputation and enables us to contribute meaningfully to developments that impact providers, employers and learners.”
4. From the panel and your broader experience, what emerging trends or challenges do you see that AKG should be preparing for?
“The transfer of apprenticeships and adult skills from the DfE to the DWP will bring significant policy and funding changes. While AKG Employment has strong DWP experience, the impact on skills provision is still emerging.
We will need to stay proactive around developments such as:
the Growth and Skills Levy
a youth guarantee
further devolution
apprenticeship assessment updates
the new Ofsted framework
AKG UK is prepared to evolve through collaboration and innovation.”
5. How does your role at AKG Learning shape your viewpoint on the panel?
“The audience responded positively to viewing Early Years as an economic enabler – several attendees said they hadn’t considered that perspective before.
I also highlighted Essex County Council’s innovative Childminder Bootcamp for tackling Early Years workforce shortages, which generated interest from at least two other local authorities.”
6. Were there any surprising questions or viewpoints that challenged your thinking?
“All viewpoints were valuable, but insight from the Federation of Small Businesses was especially useful. It reinforced the importance of engaging with them to reach SME and self-employed members.”
7. In your experience, what are the benefits of participating in external panels?
“Participating in panels strengthens both my personal profile and the visibility of our organisation. It opens doors to new partnerships and builds our credibility.
From an AELP perspective, it also allows me to represent smaller providers and highlight the innovative work of partners like Essex County Council.”
8. If you could advise someone preparing to speak on a similar panel, what three things would you emphasise?
“1. Prepare thoroughly — understand the subject matter, key messages and fellow panellists.
2. Connect with other panellists in advance.
3. Expect the unexpected — not all questions can be anticipated.”
9. Finally, is there anything you wished you had time to cover on the panel?
“Not particularly.”
Looking ahead
The insights shared at the AELP Autumn Conference 2025 reflect a sector in transition — with changing funding models, emerging policy frameworks and a renewed focus on SME-led skills development.
As the landscape continues to evolve, AKG Learning remains committed to contributing to sector-wide conversations, championing smaller providers and supporting learners into sustainable, meaningful careers.
