Features and opinion

Our Director of External and Regulatory Affairs, Julie Hyde, examines how rapid post‑16 reform risks worsening youth disengagement and makes the case for a phased, flexible approach that protects learners at key transition points.

Our Product Manager, Emzi Mills-Frater, explores how growing cyber security skills gaps across UK organisations are driving the need for accessible, high-quality training that equips learners with the knowledge to protect expanding digital systems.

Our Sector Manager for Education and Childcare, Janet King, explores how education providers can navigate teacher shortages and rising learner numbers.

Essential skills are key to work and daily life, so why don’t we assess them like occupational skills or knowledge? Dr Rebecca Conway, Director of Research and Innovation at NCFE, explains why we must change our thinking to tackle employability challenges.

Our Product Manager for Apprenticeships, Allison Chatten, outlines how England’s reformed apprenticeship assessment model introduces flexible assessment, and shares nine steps providers should take prepare for the transition.

Apprenticeship reforms are reshaping training in adult social care. Here our Sector Manager for Social Care, Claire Montague, outlines what the revised Adult Care Worker Standard means for employers, providers and new entrants to the sector.

Post‑16 reform details continue to emerge, signalling major shifts for providers. Here our Product Manager for Technical Education, David Rowley, unpacks what the latest consultation response reveals — and what the sector should prepare for.

Apprenticeship changes continue to be drip-fed to the sector, with the overarching message that they'll be implemented at speed. Here our Head of EPA Operations, Leanne Poole, shares what 2026 might hold as the reforms take effect.