ISE Apprenticeships Conference
We are keen on a creative range of sessions, including panels, masterclass-type sessions, interactive workshops, research sharing, and much more. We also welcome collaborative submissions with other ISE members and non-member organisations who have delivered or are working on apprenticeship partnership programmes and projects.
Please note that all solution provider submissions need to include employer collaboration.
Our overarching theme for the conference is: Apprenticeships 2026: ‘Opening doors, building skills, growing the UK economy’
The themes we have identified for content are:
- The Landscape of Apprentice Reforms: Challenges and Opportunities
- Delivering an effective apprentice programme: how can employers, training providers and learners best collaborate to deliver the skills the UK needs?
- The commercial case for hiring apprentices – and the costs (to include consideration of salaries and career pathways post-apprenticeship). Making the case for maximising ROI for apprentice hires.
- Recruitment & assessment for apprentices: alignment with EDI strategy; ensuring authenticity and managing mass applications in an AI world.
- Wildcard: an opportunity to submit something completely different!
To submit an entry, you will be asked to outline the key content (500 words max) and the key benefits and takeaways (500 words max). This should include what the practical applications are to are expected from your session.
Scoring Criteria
The PRG will evaluate your submission using the following criteria.
- Content topic coverage - Show how your session connects to the conference theme and chosen topic area. Make it clear why this subject matters now and how it responds to current challenges or opportunities in the apprenticeship landscape.
- Content inspiration - Explain how your session will introduce fresh thinking. Highlight the ideas, insights or perspectives you plan to share and how they will help delegates reflect on or rethink their current approaches.
- Content originality and relevant delivery - Highlight what makes your session unique by showing a fresh perspective, innovative approach, or new insight. Use a delivery style that emphasises this originality and clearly communicates your key points, utilising the delivery style guidance:
- Panel – Use a mix of contrasting voices to offer a rounded and thought-provoking discussion.
- Masterclass – Share focused expertise that gives delegates clear, practical guidance they can apply.
- Interactive workshop – Use participation and hands-on exercises to help delegates practise ideas directly.
- Research presentation – Present evidence and insights in a clear way that sparks new thinking and practical reflection.
- Other format – Propose a delivery style that enhances your idea and creates a distinctive experience for delegates.
- Content evidence provided - Support your submission with examples, data, case studies or outcomes that strengthen your session. Show the impact of your work and why your experience positions you to deliver this topic with authority.
- Content appeal to delegates - Be clear about what delegates will learn and take away. Outline the practical tools, actions or insights they will be able to apply in their own organisations so the value of attending your session is easy to see.
Successful submissions do not guarantee a free of charge ticket for speakers to the Conference