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A buyer’s guide to AI for apprenticeship management
In this article, we take a look at the key considerations for apprenticeship providers planning to integrate AI solutions into their tech stack.
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A data analyst’s guide to using Aptem for sophisticated business intelligence
Discover how you can get data-driven insights for your business using Aptem’s apprenticeship OData, built-in dashboards, and user-generated reports.
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Driving success with Lifetime: Aptem’s impact on learning coaches, learners, and employers
In these short videos, we explore Aptem's impact on apprenticeship delivery from the perspectives of Lifetime's tutors, learners, and employer partners. Discover how Aptem enhances ...
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A focus on Aptem Assess interactive games: Symbols
In this article we discuss Aptem Assess’s interactive ‘Symbols’ task, a quick game designed to measure processing speed - a key cognitive ability impacting reading, ...
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Aptem leadership transition: Rien Sach appointed CEO as Richard Alberg becomes Executive Chairman
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Rien Sach as CEO, succeeding Richard Alberg, who transitions to the role of Executive Chairman. This leadership ...
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Crafting effective Individual Learning Plans for apprenticeships
An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) acts as a customised blueprint for an apprentice's journey, guiding their path from novice to skilled professional. Drawing on our ...
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Webinars
Webinar: Preparing for a DfE audit with Aptem
Successful DfE audits rely on training providers to be confident about the accuracy of their funding claims and being able to back up decisions with ...
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Webinar: How ITPs can survive and thrive in an inflationary market
The Strategic Development Network (SDN) and Aptem recently teamed up to produce a white paper aimed at helping Independent Training Providers (ITPs) negotiate the uncertain ...
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Aptem Enhance feature drop #2: Virtual assistant and applied KSBs
Discover the latest updates to Aptem’s Enhance features, including the virtual assistant launch and new Checkpoint questioning capabilities. Join our product managers as we delve into the transformative impact of AI on apprenticeship delivery and get an exclusive look at our strategic roadmap.
Adopting AI in your organisation – from ‘why’ to ‘how’
In this webinar, Rob Aitchison, a consultant to established companies and start-ups on the strategic and safe application of AI, provides his perspective and advice for organisations planning their next steps in AI adoption. The session addresses why AI adoption is important and timely, the current state of AI, including major players and challenges, the UK Government’s perspective, including insights from Ofsted and Ofqual, how to assess organisational readiness for AI, and how to select partners and measure progress.
Introducing Aptem's Communications Connector with Microsoft Teams
We introduced a Communications Connector in April 2024 to allow customers to bring their organisation’s Microsoft Teams license into Aptem. This offers learners and tutors a secure, familiar and consistent experience, enabling them to schedule, reschedule, and cancel meetings and reviews. This 15-minute session showcased how this connector works and provided a Q&A session to answer any related questions.
Navigating challenges in apprenticeship systems: Enrolment dropouts, administrative hurdles, and rigid review procedures
This webinar dived into the thorny challenges of apprenticeship delivery, showcasing how Aptem is designed to help training providers succeed. Our expert panel comprised former heads of apprenticeships; each of whom has walked in the shoes of apprenticeship providers, understanding both the demands of the sector and the varying capability of apprenticeship management systems on the market.
2024/25 Apprenticeship funding rules – key changes from the draft, with David Lockhart-Hawkins
In this 30-minute webinar, David talked through the headlines in the draft changes and guided providers in giving their feedback in preparation for the final release later in the Spring.
Aptem Enhance: AI-powered innovation in apprenticeship delivery
Following the successful launch of our first AI-driven enhancement, Aptem Checkpoint, this session showcased how we’re continuing to develop a series of tools to help apprenticeship providers spend less time on admin and more time with learners. We shared our AI-powered Aptem Enhance strategy and were joined by Dom Wilkinson, Product Owner at Lifetime Training who shared how Lifetime has already embraced the first of these features.
Ofsted in the HE sector - insights from an inspection nominee
In this webinar, Ian Harper, Commercial & Business Development Director at Buckinghamshire New University shares his experience of being an Ofsted inspection nominee. Ian is joined by Kerry Boffey, CEO & Founder of the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) who gives her expert views on the key themes highlighted by Ian.
Foundations for profitability - with Vince Hannant from Melior Esse
In this webinar, Vince Hannant, Founder of business consultancy, Melior Esse, discusses principles that your apprenticeship business should have in its process and operations to ensure you are in control of key decisions that influence your profit margins.
Preparing for your SAR submission – with Kerry Boffey, CEO & Founder at FIN
Regular self-assessment is crucial for apprenticeship providers in ensuring quality assurance. Led by Kerry Boffey, the session provided practical insights, best practices, and tips for effective SAR submissions. The Aptem team demonstrated how to extract information from Aptem to showcase your provision’s performance effectively.
Aptem Checkpoint - first look at independent AI-driven learner progress checking
Aptem Checkpoint is our first AI-driven product which independently checks learner understanding, helps evidence progress and acts as a supportive tool to successful completion. We were joined by Ryan Palmer, CEO of YMCA and one of Aptem Checkpoint’s first customers.
How ITPs can survive and thrive in an inflationary market
The Strategic Development Network (SDN) and Aptem recently teamed up to produce a white paper aimed at helping Independent Training Providers (ITPs) negotiate the uncertain economic and policy landscape. This webinar brings together a panel of its contributors, including Alex Miles, Managing Director of Yorkshire Learning Providers, to discuss the strategies explored in the white paper.
Preparing for a DfE Audit with Aptem
This webinar, hosted by Tony Allen, an expert and consultant in apprenticeships and compliance, and Freya Ni Chleirigh, Aptem Product Owner, compliments Aptem’s recently released eBook and provides information on how to prepare for Audit and maximise the support you can get from your apprenticeship management system – Aptem.
Exploring AI's transformative potential in apprenticeships: Insights from industry leaders
The session provides valuable insights from industry leaders as they candidly shared their reflections and firsthand experiences in identifying both opportunities and obstacles across crucial domains – broadening participation, enhancing the learner experience, driving operational efficiency and sector-wide retention.
Revolutionising Apprenticeships: Unleashing the Power of AI and Language Technology
Presented in collaboration with apprenticeship and AI expert, Sean Williams, the session explored the opportunities presented by AI and Large Language Models for the apprenticeship sector, and covered how you can manage the ‘watch outs’ of these advancements in technology.
Enhancing the evolution of apprenticeship technology through AI and Large Language Models
A panel of product and technology experts from Aptem comprehensively explore how apprenticeship technology should apply elements of language technology, to better support training providers to reap benefits. We delve into the dynamic role technology assumes and outline Aptem’s strategic approach to integrating AI into our product roadmap.
Addressing the challenges surrounding employer engagement
Presented in partnership with apprenticeship expert, Bally Bhogal, the session provided some insights into how you can effectively engage employers with the apprenticeship journey and overcome some of the key challenges we commonly hear from the sector.
Costing and Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE), linked to recent audits
Presented in partnership with Seren Skills, the session explored the challenges providers face in relation to RPLE, as identified in recent audits, and provided valuable insight into the applications of RPLE and the factors to consider in light of the new funding rules.
Quality, curriculum and compliance: how to avoid a funding headache
Presented in partnership with Compliance Specialist, Tony Allen, and Katie Thornton, Director of Quality and Performance at Ensis Solutions, the session explored how providers can balance quality, curriculum and compliance to create engaging apprenticeships that meet funding requirements.
Understanding the 23/24 apprenticeship funding rules
On 31 March 2023, the Department for Education released the 23/24 Apprenticeship Funding Rules. We partnered with compliance specialist, David Lockhart-Hawkins, to walk through the new planned rules, focusing on key changes and clarifications of the funding rules, and the potential impact on providers in implementing the new rules.
The grab for growth: recruiting with integrity
Presented by Kerry Boffey, CEO and Founder of the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN), the session focused on the growth of apprenticeships and the challenges faced by providers as they increase learner numbers.
Apprenticeship engagement and compliance with David Lockhart-Hawkins
If last visits or progress reviews are what you measure risk of retention by, you’re a little behind the times. This webinar was hosted by David Lockhart-Hawkins, Director & Strategic Consultant in Apprenticeship Compliance and Implementation. David looks at best practices in monitoring your apprentice engagements and practical strategies to reduce funding risks including looking at the compliance role of engagement data, rules around compliance, best practices in measuring apprentice engagement data and more.
Identification of Additional Learning Support needs
This webinar introduced Aptem Assess: a new cognitive assessment tool that enables you to seamlessly identify and respond to learning needs. The webinar showcased how Aptem Assess provides a better way for you to integrate assessment into your onboarding, without lengthy processes for learners, external logins or the need to manually chase assessment completion.
Ofsted for training providers: What to look out for in 2022/23
Hosted by Kerry Boffey, CEO and founder of the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN), this webinar provided insight into what senior leaders and heads of quality might expect from an Ofsted Inspection over the coming months.
Compliance challenges with the the 22/23 funding rules
Led by compliance expert, David Lockhart-Hawkins, this session focused on some of the core difficulties faced by providers in efficiently implementing the new rules. David covers key changes to and clarification of the funding rules, and the potential impact on providers.
Developing a healthy compliance culture with David Lockhart-Hawkins
Is your approach to compliance creating an unhealthy working environment? Does the fear of error drive business behaviours? This webinar looks at how to create a healthy balance that is aware of risk but promotes transparency. Designed for leaders and managers, in addition to those who work in a compliance role, this webinar examines how they approach compliance in their organisation.
Understanding the updated Apprenticeship Accountability Framework with David Lockhart-Hawkins
In May 2022, the Department for Education released the updated Apprenticeship Accountability Framework Technical Specification for 2021 to 2022. These included a new measure for minimum apprenticeship provider performance level, with overall all-age QAR of less than 60% meaning provision ‘needs improvement’, and a rate of less than 50% meaning provision is ‘at risk’. This session looked to address provider questions.
Learner Reviews webinar with Tony Allen
Tony Allen is an expert consultant who offers his knowledge of the skills system and the government’s apprenticeship reform programme, acquired through fourteen years in the Skills Funding Agency, to help training providers and employers. In this webinar he talked through Learner Reviews: The role of learner reviews in the apprenticeship journey; The benefits of effective learner reviews; Why learner reviews are important; What happens if you don’t get them right; 7 steps to effective learner reviews. Shaun Elliott, Product Director at Aptem, walked through Aptem’s review functionality.
How to manage change effectively in your workplace with Henry Cohen
Research from McKinsey and Company shows 70% of all transformations fail and this figure is concerningly rising. Whilst change is a constant, successfully implementing change, whether this is a technology change or other organisational change, requires a good change management strategy.
Henry Cohen, who has more than two decades of experience in managing large-scale, global business and technology change programmes, talks through the key factors behind an effective change management strategy and delivery.
Big data in education and training
Why is Big Data important in the education and training sector? How will it shape the sector and delivery models in the future? How can you extract insightful information that can guide your organisational strategy? Host, Mark Abrahams, Head of Research at Aptem, explores these questions and more.
What is to be done about the UK’s skills deficit?
With the pandemic creating sectoral crises and Brexit affecting skilled labour migration, the UK’s skills deficit and misalignment needs urgent attention. With presentations by Dr Fiona Aldridge, Director for Policy and Research at the Learning and Work Institute and Dr Deborah Talbot, Employment and Education Editor at Aptem, this webinar looked at just why skills are so essential to the economy and wellbeing, and what policies the UK needs to ensure economic competitiveness and a secure society.
The future of learning delivery is blended
Trends towards blended learning and use of remote technologies have accelerated over the pandemic. Driven by pragmatics but also users who reap flexibility and access for hard to reach groups (parents, those with disabilities etc.). Post-pandemic expect a move to more use of blended learning. In this webinar Aptem’s Head of eLearning, Steve Hargreaves, took a pedagogic look at what teaching might work best remotely and face-to-face, and visions for an ideal blended learning experience.
Creating a digital literacy culture and using technology to enhance learning
The appetite for digital solutions has increased exponentially and there is huge opportunity to use technology to enhance learning. Watch our webinar with Georgina Burton, Head of Implementation, sharing her experience of developing digital literacy within organisations and building a digital culture that supports the use of technology within our sector.
Changes, challenges and the role of digital in future employability programmes
Elizabeth Taylor from ERSA joined Tony Carr, 4Front Partners and Richard Alberg, Aptem, to discuss the changes, challenges and the role of digital in the future of employability and delivery of employability programmes.
Exploring alternative talent pools for recruiting employability professionals
Aptem has commissioned a piece of research in partnership with the IEP about the employability practitioner labour market, to help employability providers as they consider how they scale their workforce to meet growing demand.
Catch up on the presentation of this research, including a Q&A section at the end where employability providers who were able to attend the session raised some important points.
How to manage employer engagement with Tony Allen and Ben Drain
Hosted by Tony Allen, an expert and consultant who offers his knowledge of the skills system and the government apprenticeship reform programme, and Ben Drain, Apprenticeships, Operations and Quality Director at Pareto Law, this webinar discussed best practices in employer engagement.
What role will behavioural sciences play in the post-pandemic employment recovery?
The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted employability, causing a rise in unemployment and redundancies that have taken a negative toll on the nation
Dr Darren Coppin, Founder and Head of Research considers the role behavioural sciences can, and should, play in the recovery of employability after the crisis.
State of the Art Tech for Employment programmes
Aptem’s CEO, Richard Alberg, presents a view of today’s employability challenges and demonstrates how technology platform Aptem Employ can help job seekers back into work quickly and for the long term.
A demonstration of Aptem’s Intelligence Dashboard for Universities
Aptem’s Richard Alberg and Mandy Crawford-Lee from UVAC held a webinar for Universities to discuss and demonstrate how they can use Aptem’s free Intelligence Dashboard to view market positions, identify opportunities and make data-driven strategic decisions.
What role will behavioural sciences play in the post-pandemic employment recovery?
The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted employability, causing a rise in unemployment and redundancies that have taken a negative toll on the nation
Dr Darren Coppin, Founder and Head of Research considers the role behavioural sciences can, and should, play in the recovery of employability after the crisis.
Aptem news and events - get involved
We regularly host events and training, publish articles, white papers and eBooks, and commission research. Have a browse and get involved:
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Events
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Webinars
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Resources
Aptem customer events
aSpire 2026 – Aptem’s Customer Conference
Thursday 14 May | ICC Birmingham
Enjoy a full day of practical, in-person learning at aSpire 2026, with hands-on Aptem training and expert insights to take back into your day-to-day work. Gain practical guidance on OTJT, the new Ofsted framework, reviews and assessments, and attend expert-led sessions on compliance, employer engagement and assessment reform. With keynotes and 12 breakout sessions, you can tailor the day to what matters most to you.
Early bird rate available until 31 January. Contact your Customer Success Manager to book.
Industry events
The Apprenticeships Conference
Tuesday 24 February 2026 | Millennium Point, Birmingham
Come and meet the Aptem team at this one-day event run by The Apprenticeships & Skills Group. The conference brings together professionals involved in apprenticeships and skills development to explore and adapt to evolving apprenticeship and skills policies. This year’s theme is ‘Future-Proofing Apprenticeships: Skills, Systems, and Sustainability’. Aptem is proud to be workshop sponsor.
A Day with Ofsted 2026 – AELP
Wednesday 25 February 2026 | The Crowne Plaza, Nottingham
Aptem is exhibiting at this hugely topical event run by AELP. Come and meet the team and discover how Aptem is best placed to support the 2025 Ofsted Inspection Framework.
Apprenticeships & Training Conference (ATC) 2026
Monday 2 March – Tuesday 3 March 2026 | ACC, Liverpool
Aptem is proud to be exhibition sponsor at this flagship event. For the second year, it takes place in Liverpool, and is the UK’s leading conference for skills, apprenticeships & workforce training. Aptem is delighted to be running a workshop ‘Efficiency unlocked: peer-led table talks on streamlining the apprenticeship learner journey’, facilitated by Claire Sykes and with contributions from providers.
A Day with the Departments 2026 – AELP
Tuesday 24 March 2026 | IET, Birmingham
Aptem is delighted to be headline sponsor at this inaugural event run by the AELP. As responsibilities for skills and employment evolve between the Department for Education and the Department for Work and Pensions, this summit will examine where policy now sits, what remains within DfE’s remit, and what this means for sector organisations.
Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2026
Thursday 30 April 2026 | New Dock Hall, Leeds
Aptem is proud headline sponsor for this inspiring event. The awards ceremony aims to recognise and celebrate exceptional apprenticeship excellence across the UK. We look forward to celebrating with Aptem customers and those recognised from across the sector.
Strengthening oversight: understanding Ofsted’s governance agenda, with Kerry Boffey
Wednesday 11 February | 11am -12pm
Join this exclusive webinar to understand Ofsted’s revised EIF, explore the new focus on Leadership and Governance, and hear expert and provider insights on how governing bodies can be inspection-ready for 2026 and beyond.
Understanding the changes in the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework – with David Lockhart-Hawkins
Thursday 12 February | 2pm – 3pm
The updated Apprenticeship Accountability Framework (AAF) is now in force, with immediate implications for providers across funding, compliance and quality assurance. Join David Lockhart-Hawkins, who will explain the key changes and what they mean in practice. The Aptem team will also demonstrate how Aptem supports learner engagement and progress to help reduce the risk of learners going past their planned end date, including our progress monitoring and learning tool, checkpoint.
Preparing for DfE audit: a practical guide with Karl Bentley
Tuesday 14 April | 11am – 12pm
Learn how to prepare confidently for DfE audits, with expert guidance on avoiding common pitfalls, understanding current audit focus areas, and seeing how Aptem can support effective audit preparation.
Recent eBooks
Using Aptem to prepare for R14 data submission and the new academic year – Read the eBook
Cognitive assessment tools and funding: A practical guide for UK post-16 education – Read the eBook
AI tools for managing apprenticeships: understanding the regulatory landscape – Read the eBook
AI strategy for apprenticeship providers: A practical guide to responsible and impactful implementation – Read the eBook
The impact of Aptem – Read the eBook
Aptem Intelligence Dashboard
We offer a free dashboarding tool that makes it easy for apprenticeship providers to analyse trends, see offerings gaps, produce competitor analysis, and make data-driven strategic decisions from the DfE data.
Access the Aptem Intelligence Dashboard here.
Recent articles
Does AI have a role in one-to-one reviews?
Transforming progress reviews: moving beyond box-ticking
How AI is raising quality standards in apprenticeship delivery
A blueprint for successful system implementation
Aptem named Learning Technologies Organisation of the Year at the Learning Technologies Awards 2025
Understanding the 2025 Ofsted framework and Aptem support for compliance, quality and evidence
Latest case study: Hawk Training
Hawk Training, a leading UK provider, has modernised its apprenticeship delivery by adopting Aptem’s AI-powered Enhance features. The move has helped reduce administrative burden, increase learner engagement and give tutors valuable time back, while supporting a more consistent, scalable approach to quality and compliance.
Industry events
AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025
Tuesday 18 November – Wednesday 19 November 2025 | ICC, Birmingham
We are looking forward to exhibiting at the AoC Annual Conference & Exhibition 2025. Visit our stand to explore our cutting-edge solutions designed to help providers and colleges in driving learner success and transforming educational outcomes.
Tickets are available here.
UVAC National Conference 2025
Thursday 20 November 2025 | ICC, Birmingham
Aptem is proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the UVAC National Conference, taking place this November. This year’s theme is, ‘Change: Creating and Adapting to Apprenticeship and Skills Policy – Past, Present, and Future’. We look forward to reconnecting with our valued customers, partners, and the wider community at this important event.
You book your place here.
FIN Essential Inspection Preparation Bootcamp
Wednesday 26 November – Thursday 27 November 2025; Tuesday 27 January – Wednesday 28 January | FIN office, Shropshire
Our friends at the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) are holding one of their very popular inspection preparation bootcamps, sponsored by Aptem. This two-day residential programme provides real insight into the education inspection framework, challenging perceptions and testing resilience. Recommended for Nominees, Shadow Nominees, Senior and Middle Managers, and Curriculum Champions, who want to be at the top of their game and inspection ready.
The November event is sold out, but FIN have added a new January date which you can book here.
National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025
Wednesday 26 November 2025 | Royal Lancaster Hotel, London
Aptem is an official sponsor for the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. These awards are designed to recognise and reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices and T Level students, skills champions alongside apprenticeship and T Level employers.
Learn more here.
Aptem customer events
aSpire 2026 – Aptem’s Customer Conference
Learn more about the 2025 aSpire conference
Thank you to everyone who joined us on 15 May 2025, for our inaugural Aptem customer conference. From personalised “how-to” sessions and hands-on workshops led by our industry partners to sessions with our Support Consultants, Implementation Consultants, and Customer Success Managers, we aimed to offer something for everyone. We hope you left full of fresh ideas, practical tips, and new connections.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 aSpire conference will take place on Thursday 14 May 2026, at the same venue, the ICC in Birmingham. Tickets go on sale in early October so Aptem customers, please look out for your invitation to book a place.
Upcoming product briefing webinars
Customers will be invited to any upcoming product briefing webinars via email.
