At the recent Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Apprentify was proud to host a panel discussion that brought together parliamentarians, industry experts and sector leaders to debate a critical question: How can digital and tech apprenticeships futureproof Britain’s economic growth?

The discussion was timely and urgent, with the Prime Minister announcing he will scrap the 50% university target and instead aim for 10% of young people pursuing higher technical courses or apprenticeships by 2040 – almost double the current amount. 

Apprentify Group’s very own Dale Walker (Director of Education, Apprentify) and Lisa Reynolds (Managing Director, ioda) joined an expert panel chaired by Jon Craig, Chief Political Correspondent at Sky News, with MPs Pam Cox MP (Colchester) and Alistair Carns (Birmingham Selly Oak).

Key voices, shared vision 

Pam Cox MP stressed the importance of making apprenticeships more visible: 

“Raise the visibility of apprenticeships with UCAS equivalent platforms… and implement more tech hubs across the UK.” 

On the subject of AI upskilling and apprenticeship programmes, MP Al Carns, drawing on his military background, offered a compelling metaphor for AI adoption in public life: 

“When it comes to AI we should ‘own it rather than ignore it.’” 

From the sector’s side, Dale Walker (Apprentify Group Director of Education) and Lisa Reynolds (ioda) contributed grounded insight from the frontline of training, funding and inclusion. Their reflections ranged from improving social mobility to helping SMEs access the funding they are entitled to. 

A recurring theme: removing barriers to entry. Whether that’s bridging digital exclusion, rethinking traditional recruitment filter, or supporting older workers alongside school leavers, the challenge is broad - but not insurmountable. 

ioda Managing Director Lisa Reynolds

Outcomes and calls to action 

Policy momentum: The Prime Minister’s remarks signalled a shift in ambition and narrative, apprenticeships are no longer the secondary option, but a core route to growth. 

Strategic alignment: The ecosystem framing reinforced that no single pathway suffices; we need hybrid models that combine apprenticeships, bootcamps, degree apprenticeships and employer-led training. 

Urgent inclusivity: The panel emphasised that programmes must be accessible, equitable and designed to uplift the underrepresented. 

Government and employer roles: Many points landed on shared responsibility. Apprentify advocates for flexible funding, clearer pathways, and a regulatory environment that enables innovation without undermining accountability. 

We left Liverpool energised, with renewed clarity about the path ahead. At Apprentify, we’ll continue to champion apprenticeships as central to Britain’s growth strategy, not just in rhetoric, but in action. 

Apprentify's Dale Walker, MP Alastair Carns and Sky News' Jon Craig