Making Skills Reform Work for Tech: techUK Panel for Get the Nation Learning Week

techUK is hosting a free online panel discussion as part of Get the Nation Learning Week, exploring how recent changes to the skills and education system can work for the technology sector. Speakers from Skills England, the Learning and Work Institute, Aston University and Kaplan will discuss what Levy reform, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement and skills devolution mean in practice for tech employers and training providers.

techUK is bringing together industry, training providers and policy experts to examine how ongoing reforms to skills and education can deliver for the technology sector.

The skills system is changing on several fronts. The Growth and Skills Levy has replaced the Apprenticeship Levy, introducing shorter apprenticeship units and tighter funding rules, while the Lifelong Learning Entitlement has begun accepting its first applications, offering more flexible, modular access to post-18 education. Devolution of skills funding and powers is also on the government agenda, alongside a continued focus on youth employment, vocational and technical education, and the transition from education into work.

The panel will consider what these changes mean in practice for tech employers and training providers. Discussion will cover whether Levy reform can help build digital, data, cyber and AI capabilities, how the modular offer of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement can keep pace with fast-moving technical skills needs, and how a more place-based approach can still deliver on national priorities in tech. The session will also look at where the gaps and opportunities lie, and what a more coherent, tech-ready skills system could look like as policy evolves.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Phil Smith CBE, Chair and Industrial Strategy Advisory Council member, Skills England

• Dr Emily Andrews, Director of Policy and Research, Learning and Work Institute

• Edward Bates, Senior Business Development Manager, Aston University

• Andrew Erwich, Head of Commercial Partnerships, Kaplan

Tech Skills will open the event with a presentation on its careers platform and how it helps individuals navigate opportunities and identify clear pathways into tech roles.

The webinar takes place online on 5 November 2026 from 14:00 to 15:15 GMT and is free to attend. It forms part of Get the Nation Learning Week, delivered through the Learning and Work Institute's Get the Nation Learning Campaign.

Register now to secure a place on the panel discussion.