Hello, Keith Truslove here, Account Director at ACE360.
First, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the UVAC 2024 Conference last month. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet so many inspiring individuals and connect with familiar faces. Each conversation reinforced how committed the higher education sector is to strengthening its approach to degree apprenticeships.
This year, a particularly exciting trend emerged: delegates were eager to learn about ACE360, some even expressing a clear fear of missing out (FOMO!). It’s a testament to the strides we’ve made in becoming the industry standard for EPA management.
Universities and training providers are recognising the immense value we bring to managing degree apprenticeships efficiently and effectively. The trust in ACE360 is growing, and we’re incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this change.
Key Highlights from the UVAC Conference
A standout moment from UVAC was the Skills Federation’s workshop panel discussion.
It tackled some of the biggest challenges higher education institutions face in managing degree apprenticeships and featured:
- Dr Fiona Aldridge, our new CEO, offering insightful commentary on the evolution of degree apprenticeships and the challenges faced by universities.
- Mark Fitzgerald, ACE360’s Training & Implementation Manager, sharing hands-on solutions from the ACE360 Knowledge Base.
- Alex Morrison from Buckinghamshire New University and Steven Willis from Middlesex University, bringing invaluable perspectives from their institutions.
For those who couldn’t attend, we’re excited to share a recording of the panel discussion. Here are some of the key takeaways from the session:
Key Takeaways:
- Consistency in roles and accountability is critical to the success of apprenticeship programmes.
- Dedicated roles like Apprenticeship Partnership Managers (APMs) help streamline support for both apprentices and their employers.
- Clear communication with employers strengthens apprenticeships and enhances workplace support.
- Separating the End-Point Assessment (EPA) process from on-programme delivery ensures a conflict-free approach and boosts quality assurance.
These insights sparked some fantastic discussions at our stand. They also underscored just how vital ACE360 is in helping institutions achieve these goals through seamless EPA management.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The energy and enthusiasm at UVAC 2024 make us even more excited for the year ahead. Whether you’re new to ACE360 or looking to optimise how you manage EPAs for degree apprenticeships, we’d love to help you hit the ground running in 2025.
Book a 2025 Planning Session
I’d be delighted to discuss your specific needs and how ACE360 can support your goals. Simply book a session with me here.
Let’s build on the momentum from UVAC and make 2025 the year your institution excels in EPA management.
Keith Truslove
Account Director
ACE360
