From AI to BTECs: What got the training industry talking in 2024?

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on a year full of change for the apprenticeship and training industry.

From AI to BTECs: What got the training industry talking in 2024?

If there’s been one prevailing attitude this year, it’s “out with the old and in with the new”. While the new government has wasted no time in rolling out its plans for the skills landscape, there’s also been a clear appetite for change across the sector.

For training providers, 2024 was a year for innovation. The providers we’ve spoken to have been ambitious and driven, adopting new ways of working to build stronger, more competitive businesses. Technology has been central to this effort, delivering a better experience for learners and freeing up trainers to do more with less.

Here’s a round-up of some of the biggest talking points in apprenticeships and training from 2024. 

Labour wins and launches Skills England

After a landslide win in the General Election, Labour promised a “comprehensive strategy” to address a confusing skills system, plummeting apprenticeship numbers and major skills shortages.

The government launched Skills England in July, which aims to bring together central and local government, businesses, training providers and unions to better meet skills needs across different regions. Skills England won’t be fully established until 2025, but major changes have already been made to the apprenticeship landscape:

• The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will close in March 2025, with functions moving to the Department for Education 

• The Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education will be abolished, with functions transferred to Skills England

In the Autumn Budget, £40 million was allocated as part of a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy, to fund new foundation apprenticeships in sectors with critical skills gaps as well as shorter apprenticeships. Read our overview of the Autumn Budget here.

Artificial intelligence comes to education

ChatGPT might have taken the world by storm last year, but the education sector was understandably cautious about adopting a tool without clear learner safeguards in place.

In 2024, conversations about AI in education have moved past ChatGPT and focused instead on how Generative AI technology can be used to create purpose-built tools for the sector. Key areas include:

• How AI can personalise learning experiences. This can drive better engagement, improve understanding and boost accessibility for neurodivergent learners

• How AI can automate manual tasks for trainers. Tasks like marking take up a huge amount of time each week – automating these tasks would give trainers the time and energy to focus on higher-value learner support

We’re launching Bud Mark early next year, which will streamline the marking process and help trainers provide consistent, high-quality feedback, so learners know where they’re excelling and where they can improve. Book a call to find out more about Bud Mark.

The ongoing saga of BTECs

There was uproar when the previous Conservative government announced they would defund BTECs in favour of T Levels. It sparked concerns that removing funding from BTECs would leave many students without a viable progression pathway at age 16, and reduce participation in higher education among disadvantaged groups.

In July 2024, Labour announced a “short review” of post-16 qualification reforms at level 3 and below. The review would “assess how best to improve the quality of the overall qualifications landscape, support the growth of T Levels and ensure that all young people and adults have high-quality options that meet their needs”.

Despite findings being due at the end of the year, there’s still a lack of clarity over what the review will involve. David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor at London South Bank University, warned against complacency in a recent FE Week article:

“We should not be complacent and assume that the outcome of the review is a forgone conclusion in favour of BTECs, particularly since it is unclear what will be in scope given the Department for Education have declined to publish the terms of reference. Instead, we must continue to press the government to keep these qualifications,” he said.

An end to one-word Ofsted grades

Ofsted grades were a major topic of discussion at the start of the year. The Beyond Ofsted inquiry highlighted the “perceived toxicity of Ofsted” and the need for transformational change, including the end of simplistic single-word judgements.

In September, the Department for Education announced the removal of the single-word headline grades for schools in England. School report cards will be introduced from September 2025, which aim to provide parents with a more complete overview of how the school is performing.

While headline grades currently remain in place for colleges and training providers, the government is “committed” to their removal.

Boost your performance in 2025

Looking ahead to the new year? Whether you want to improve your operational efficiency, drive quality and compliance, or explore the potential of AI, Bud can help you transform your training delivery in 2025. 

Book a discovery call here.