Written by Teri Greaves, Business Development Manager at Open Awards
I recently attended the AELP National Conference, where I had the opportunity to engage with a range of providers on apprenticeships, qualifications, and sector updates.
AELP shared important changes they’ve been lobbying for—most notably, the removal of the mandatory Maths and English requirement for apprentices aged 19+. At Open Awards, we continue to champion Functional Skills in Maths and English as vital tools for lifelong learning. We offer qualifications from Entry Level 1 to Level 2, including on-screen Entry Level 3 to improve accessibility, and we remain committed to developing inclusive, high-quality provision.
On the day, I attended a workshop on changes to apprenticeship assessment. While it sparked valuable discussion, there’s still uncertainty around the changes. For instance, how employer signoffs for the behaviours will be standardised and the impact this will potentially create with quality. As an Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation, we’re here to support providers through this transition, especially those new to internal quality assurance.
Another insightful session focused on people not in education, employment or training (NEET). SLC showcased a flexible funding project in Leeds that’s helping re-engage young people in education. Their success highlights the importance of adaptable delivery and pre-qualification support. At Open Awards, we offer flexible qualifications from Entry Level 1 to Level 3, but funding barriers remain a challenge. Our Business Development team regularly meet with providers to discuss how to make the most of our qualifications and where funding is available.