An event to connect employers to the support available for running apprenticeships.

About this event

An event to connect employers to the support available for running apprenticeships.

HR professionals, people managers, L&D leads, employers considering or expanding apprenticeships Format:

Online webinar with live Q&A

Session Objectives

By the end of the session, attendees will:

  • Understand key apprenticeship changes coming in 2026 and what they mean for employers
  • Feel confident about where to go for trusted employer support · Hear real lived experience from an HR apprentice
  • Understand how AoA and AAN work alongside employers to support apprenticeships in practice

0–5 minutes | Welcome and scene setting Delivered by Bobby

Purpose: Frame the session and set expectations

  • Welcome attendees and introduce yourself
  • Outline why apprenticeships remain a strategic workforce tool for employers · Brief overview of the session structure and speakers
  • Set the core message Apprenticeships work best when policy, employers, apprentices and support bodies work together

5–20 minutes | Apprenticeships in 2026: what is changing and what employers need to know Delivered by Bobby

Key topics to cover:

What is changing in 2026 · Ongoing evolution of apprenticeship policy and funding expectations

  • Increased focus on quality, outcomes and progression
  • Employer accountability and evidence of impact
  • Growing emphasis on inclusion, fair pay and learner experience
  • Increased scrutiny on how apprenticeships align to real workforce need What this means for employers
  • Why apprenticeships are no longer just a funding mechanism
  • The importance of workforce planning, not just recruitment
  • Understanding duration, expectations and progression pathways
  • Why transparency around pay, role content and support matters more than ever Practical takeaways
  • Questions employers should be asking providers
  • What good apprenticeship design looks like in 2026 · How to avoid common pitfalls

20–40 minutes | Employer support and the role of AoA

Guest speaker: Lindsay Conroy, CEO Association of Apprentices

Duration: 20 minutes Focus: How employers are supported in practice Suggested structure: · Brief introduction to AoA and who it supports

  • Common challenges employers face with apprenticeships
  • How AoA helps employers navigate complexity
  • Support for policy understanding, best practice and employer voice
  • How employers can engage with AoA to strengthen their approach

Key message: Employers do not have to navigate the apprenticeship system alone.

40–55 minutes | Apprentice perspective and the power of AAN

Guest speaker: Olivia Scane - Award Winning HR Apprentice at the Land Registry

Duration: 15 minutes Focus: Lived experience and ambassador networks Suggested talking points:

  • Olivia’s apprenticeship journey
  • Completing her first apprenticeship and progressing to a second
  • What good employer support looks like from an apprentice perspective
  • The reality of balancing work, learning and progression
  • The role of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network in supporting apprentices and employers
  • How employers benefit from engaging with ambassadors

55–60 minutes | Bringing it all together and close Delivered by Bobby

  • Recap Policy and change Employer support Apprentice voice
  • Reinforce how CIPD, AoA and AAN complement one another
  • Encourage employers to take the next step
  • Signpost where attendees can go for further support
  • Thank speakers and attendees

Core narrative thread for the session Apprenticeships in 2026 are not just about compliance or funding. They are about workforce strategy, fair opportunity and long-term talent development. When employers understand the changes, access the right support and listen to apprentices, apprenticeships work in harmony.


Please note:

1. Webinar joining instructions will be sent to you again 1 day before the event, with a further reminder, 20 minutes prior to the event starting.

2. The session may be recorded and shared with people afterwards. Please bear this in mind and have your camera off if you do not wish for your image to be shared.

3. The chat function will be used for participants to engage with the webinar, so just be mindful of the login name you use and ensure you are happy for other people to see this.

4. For security reasons, it is requested that participants join the live session 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and with the same name as registered on Eventbrite as not doing so may cause a delay or non-admittance to the event.

5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.

6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.