Why is there a need for a training providers Peer Meetup? by Safaraz Ali, introducing PeerMeetup, In addition Safaraz gives his views on how business models have changed and how the world changed. Safaraz also introduces an alternative to the 70-20-10 model for learning that has been used for 20 years and suggests a 40-40- 20 model is now more relevant and appropriate.

1. © @SafarazAli
By Safaraz Ali
#peermeetup
Why is there a need for
training providers to connect, and
collaborate – learn and share even
more so than ever before?

2. CHANGES, RAPIDBIG
are happening in our sector
• Delays in, & rejections of, priority growth
requests
– Confusion about priorities
– Profiling by “averages”
• Restrictions to AGE grants
• Advanced Learning Loans changes
• Is there a life for a Prime anymore?
• Finding Sub-Contracts?
• More joint bidding and partnership
requirements from funders

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
announced recently…

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. • For employers - we are the connection
with apprenticeships for most and
source of information but…
• What can we tell them about…
– Levy?
– Trailblazers vs. SASE Frameworks?
– AGE grants?
– Funding availability?
Are Training Providers a source
and fountain of knowledge?

6. How we work has changed!
• We no longer live in a world where we can
plan years ahead on strategy or have much
certainty and stability
• In addition what we have done in the past and
what we have learnt previously no longer
plays a central role in our success
• The key drivers for our success now is how we
react and adapt to change

7. Business planning revisited - an updated
model by Safaraz Ali
©@SafarazAli

8. The existing model for
learning
©

9. A new model for learning created by
Safaraz Ali
©@Safaraz Ali

10. Reacting and Adapting
• Having XX years of experience in a
sector/industry no longer has a significant role as
success factor anymore. YES it plays a part but an
ever decreasing one!
• How we learn has changed & there is a need to
change further – we have more emphasis than
ever before for training – webinar/seminars,
classes and a much bigger part from learning
from peers, mentors, coaches and networking
• Therefore we bring you …

11. #peermeetup
©

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. PeerMeetUp Benefits

16. So what do you think - Can we work
together?

17. Next Steps?
• We have launched Peer Meetup for Training
Providers in London on 23rd March 2016
• The next event in London is on the 19th April
2016 – further details to be released
• Plans to grow nationally with the right
partners, contact us if you are interested in
any capacity