Genie Connect Summer Conference Series Launches with Strong Employer Engagement

The Genie Connect Summer Conference Series launched this week with a highly engaged and thought-provoking session, bringing together employers, training providers and partners to explore how we can unlock more Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

The series has been developed as part of Genie Connect, a national programme funded by Youth Futures Foundation and shaped directly by employer insight. Engagement with over 120 large and macro employers highlighted shared challenges in sustaining entry-level apprenticeships, alongside a strong desire to learn from peers and share practical solutions. In response, the free, online Summer Conference series was created to support open discussion, collaboration and action.

Workshop 1: Launch event

The first workshop brought together 140 organisations, with in-session polling showing that over half of employers are planning to increase their Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship provision, despite concerns around ongoing policy and funding uncertainty.

Participants heard an informative policy update from Kate Ridley-Pepper (Director of Work Based Skills, DWP), followed by a thoughtful employer panel featuring BAE Systems, NHS England, Ark Schools and Amey, who shared honest reflections on sustaining L2/L3 entry routes. The session also featured insight from Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, who explored the implications of rising numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), reinforcing the importance of accessible entry pathways.

Breakout discussions and live interaction throughout the session highlighted the value of bringing employers together to share experiences, exchange ideas and explore practical solutions.

What’s next in the series

The Summer Conference series continues over the coming months, offering further opportunities for employers to hear from peers, explore practical solutions and stay up to date with policy developments. Upcoming workshops will build on key themes from the investigation phase, including:

• Utilising apprenticeships to build your talent pipeline
• Effective business models for apprenticeship growth
• Building the business case for apprenticeships

Sessions will feature employers such as Amazon, Severn Trent, Morgan Sindall Property Services, TUI, Wickes, Apprenticeship Hub Network, Specsavers and FCDO Services.

Find out more about the upcoming series and register here.

Thank you to everyone who joined the first workshop and shared honest, practical reflections on how we can work together to grow L2 and L3 apprenticeship opportunities.