This document discusses concerns about upcoming changes to the UK apprenticeship system and difficulties providing guidance to employers. Specific points of uncertainty include delays to apprenticeship approvals, funding restrictions, bidding opportunities, and the impact of the upcoming EU referendum. It suggests establishing a "PeerMeetUp" network to help peers in specific industries gain knowledge and opportunities through workshops, networking, and an online collaboration tool. The goal is connecting the right people to build partnerships and address real problems through shared experience.

1. ©
#peermeetup
I’m going to talk to you about things
that make me worry and a possible
solution…
Hello, I’m Safaraz (Saf)
so let’s have a conversation

2. CHANGES, RAPIDBIG
are happening
• Delays in, & rejections of, priority growth
requests
– Confusion about priorities
– Profiling by “averages”
• Restrictions to AGE grants
• Advanced Learning Loans
• Finding Sub-Contracts
• Is there a life for a Prime in the
apprenticeship arena?
• Bidding and Partnership Opportunities
• Hope for the best?

3. • Small businesses will not be involved in the new funding
regime for apprenticeships until 2019
• The ROTO is to be changed to reflect the need for
employers to determine if a provider can deliver. The
thought was that this would mean we would have to
reapply for ROTO after the SFA work on this model over
the summer
• Providers may still have a contract up to the SMEs
being fully engaged with the new funding
model. However, it is unclear how this will totally look
• In May (around the 12th) ESIF may go into Purdah –
due to the forthcoming referendum on EU membership
Changes and other
developments

4. The only thing that remains certain
at the moment is uncertainty..
• The purdah period typically begins six weeks before
the scheduled voting date
• Under pressure from anti-EU Tories, the Prime
Minister has already conceded that there will have
to be “purdah” rules before the EU referendum,
but the various sides were embroiled in a
complicated argument on how those rules should
apply. (The Independent, 8th September 2015)

5. • We are the connection with
apprenticeships for most employers
• What can we tell them:
– Levy?
– Trailblazers vs. SASE Frameworks?
– AGE grants?
– Funding availability?
Helping Employers

6. Business planning
©
REVISITED

7. The existing model for
learning
©

8. A new model for learning?
©

9. #peermeetup
©

10. Peer networking Vs
Conventional networking
Conventional networking is the most popular and most recognisable
form of networking
• Typically easy to attract everyone and anyone
• Not specific to industry or market
• General idea is to bring people together to exchange conversations
around what their business is and find people who they could add value
too (rarely vice versa)
• Attendees collect thousands of business cards, many of whom are no
use to them
Peer networking isn’t held as a public event
• These networking events are advertised specifically to the target
markets
• Presented with people in your own sector

11. How does a PeerMeetUp
look like in my head…
• A PeerMeetUp will have people from specific industries who will be
delivering workshop and training sessions for attendees to gain tailored
market knowledge
• Attendees will be able to meet other peers in their industry with a higher
success rate of potential collaboration of partnership than any other
format including traditional conferences, seminars etc.
• Gain and share valuable knowledge and experiences
• Build your own network and contacts and further opportunities
• Opportunity to showcase your organisation and projects and raise your
own profile
PeerMeetUp is about connecting and collaborating with the right
people.

12. So what else?
Monthly meet ups will consist of events based on topics which are
needed by the attendees.
• You will have the opportunity to network with key stake holders
PeerMeetUp will introduce a range of communication tools to engage
beyond the hours you meet every month
• Slack is an online collaborative tool which we will be using to create
discussions which involve solving real problems through collaboration

13. PeerMeetUp Benefits

14. So what do you think?

15. ©