Apprenticeships and Training Conference 2027 – Liverpool, UK

What to expect

The Apprenticeships and Training Conference is the United Kingdom’s leading apprenticeships and training conference. It is the UK’s leading apprenticeships and workforce development conference, bringing together training providers, FE colleges, awarding organisations, employers and government for two days in Liverpool.

Two days of plenaries, workshops and networking for everyone shaping skills in the UK, closing with the Apprenticeship and Training Awards. Expect candid policy conversations, practical workshops you can take back to your teams and the chance to meet the people doing this work best.

The conference brings together 1,800 plus delegates, 55 plus exhibitors and 750 plus awards dinner guests. It is delivered by EducationScape, with headline partner City and Guilds, conference sponsors NCFE, NOCN Group and Training Qualifications UK, media partner FE Week, regional partner Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, strategic partner AELP and HE partner University Vocational Awards Council.

The event includes the Employer Summit, a dedicated strand for employer leaders, plus exhibition, gala dinner and awards evening featuring the FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards.

Event dates

Event Dates: 1–2 March 2027

Event Duration: Two days of conference and exhibition plus awards evening

Venue: LEX, Liverpool, United Kingdom – Liverpool Experience Campus, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront

Gala Dinner: Evening of second day

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

The event takes place at LEX, Liverpool, formerly known as ACC Liverpool, located at Liverpool Experience Campus, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP.

LEX is a modern conference and exhibition centre on the waterfront, offering large auditorium with red seats, breakout rooms, exhibition halls and gala dinner space. It is part of the ACC Liverpool complex, which includes arena and convention centre, with excellent facilities for large-scale conferences.

The venue is fully accessible, with step-free access, accessible toilets and mobility assistance. The complex offers catering, business lounges and free Wi-Fi. The venue’s culinary and hospitality partner Sodexo Live has worked alongside EducationScape, City of Liverpool College and ACC Liverpool to provide real-world experience for apprentices and students.

The exhibition brings together leading organisations from across apprenticeships and skills sector to showcase latest products, services and solutions. It is the place to compare options, see what is new and have conversations that move plans forward.

Full event programme

The full programme has been designed to balance big-picture thinking with practical, immediately applicable insight across two full days of keynotes, workshops, summits and networking.

The agenda features two days with 80 plus sessions, covering plenaries, workshops, employer summit and exhibition. Keynotes include high-profile keynote speakers providing big-picture thinking from leading voices in business, policy and skills sector. Plenaries are agenda-setting sessions with sector leaders, policymakers and employers on big questions facing skills. Workshops are practical, in-depth sessions packed with ideas you can take straight back to your team.

The Employer Summit is the dedicated employer strand at ATC, a focused, pitch-free programme designed exclusively for senior HR, People and L&D leaders from employer organisations across the UK. Pitch-free means no sales pitches, just candid practical conversation. Senior peers means designed exclusively for senior HR, People and L&D leaders. Focused strand means dedicated programme within ATC built around employers’ priorities.

The Gala Dinner and Awards Evening on the evening of second day features fabulous food and wine, inspiring ceremony where national winners of ATC Apprenticeship Awards will be announced, entertainment and chance to dance.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

The speaker faculty brings together people shaping the sector, with high-profile keynote speakers announced from January onwards.

First keynote announced is Jake Humphrey, host of The High Performance Podcast, bringing insight into high performance, leadership, apprenticeships, skills development and future of work. Further high-profile keynote and plenary speakers plus programme of practical in-depth workshops will be announced, with speaker announcements starting in January.

Previous editions have featured standout keynotes such as Rory Sutherland and T J Power, plus political representatives and insightful speakers. Mayor Steve Rotheram has opened previous editions with welcome address.

Speakers include directors of apprenticeship development, vice principals, apprenticeship strategy managers and employer leaders from across UK. Testimonials highlight fantastic varied conference with standout keynotes.

The Employer Summit features senior employer voice keynote, plus facilitated peer roundtables and focused sessions on workforce themes that matter most.

Conference sessions & tracks

The conference is organised into multiple tracks and strands, each addressing a core area of apprenticeship and skills development.

Keynotes
High-profile keynote speakers providing big-picture thinking from leading voices in business, policy and skills sector, from January onwards announcements.

Plenaries
Agenda-setting plenary sessions with sector leaders, policymakers and employers on big questions facing skills, covering policy and funding.

Workshops
Practical, in-depth workshops, hands-on sessions packed with ideas you can take straight back to your team, covering delivery, quality and innovation.

Employer Summit – Transforming Workplaces with Skills Built to Last
Dedicated summit for senior employer leaders, built around workforce challenges not apprenticeship system’s. Includes employer keynote, peer roundtables, focused sessions and summit dinner. Themes include AI, Automation and Skills Your Workforce Doesn’t Have Yet, Early Talent Pipelines Making Apprenticeships Work at Scale, Productivity, Retention and ROI of Structured Training, Youth Guarantee and NEET Challenge and Green Economy Transition Reskilling for future targets.

Expo Sessions
Exhibition sessions where leading organisations showcase latest products, services and solutions.

All sessions are included in conference pass, with morning breaks providing opportunity to enjoy food and refreshments, visit exhibitors and network.

Session times & schedule

The event operates with conference and exhibition running in parallel throughout each day, allowing visitors to move freely between keynotes, plenaries, workshops and exhibition.

Each day begins with registration and welcome, followed by keynote sessions on main stage. Morning sessions include plenaries and workshops. Morning break from 11:30 to 12:00 provides opportunity to enjoy food and refreshments, visit exhibitors and network with fellow attendees.

Midday sessions focus on practical workshops and employer summit roundtables. Afternoon sessions continue with plenaries, focused sessions and exhibition. Networking receptions provide opportunity to build relationships.

The first day includes Summit Dinner for full conference employer ticket holders, bringing together sector’s most senior employer leaders for evening of conversation without formal agenda. The second day closes with Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, featuring entertainment, recognition and celebration.

Ticket types & registration

The organisers offer a tiered ticket model with early-bird savings.

Employer Ticket – One Day
Access to one day of ATC and Employer Summit including keynotes, workshops, exhibition, lunch and networking receptions. Summit dinner not included. Early-bird price is USD 539 based on GBP 399.20 at 1.35 conversion, available until end of December. Standard price is USD 674 plus VAT based on GBP 499.

Employer Ticket – Full Conference
Access to both days of ATC and Employer Summit including keynotes, workshops, exhibition, lunch and networking receptions. Includes Summit Dinner on evening of first day. Early-bird price is USD 863 based on GBP 639.20, available until end of December. Standard price is USD 1,079 plus VAT based on GBP 799.

Standard Delegate Ticket
For training providers, FE colleges, awarding organisations and sector professionals. Access to one or two days of ATC including keynotes, workshops, exhibition, lunch and networking receptions. Early-bird saving of 20 percent on passes booked by end of December. Price from USD 405 based on GBP 300 standard ticket reference, with 20 percent early bird reducing to USD 324.

Gala Dinner and Awards Evening Ticket
For evening of second day, featuring fabulous food and wine, inspiring ceremony where national winners of ATC Apprenticeship Awards will be announced, entertainment and chance to dance. Standard price is USD 336 based on GBP 249. Delegate price is USD 269 based on GBP 199.

Group Rates
Available for teams of five or more, with discounts. Contact team at atc@educationscape.com for table booking options.

Registration deadlines

Early-bird saving of 20 percent on passes booked by end of December, with 30 percent off tickets available until start of September for some categories. Group rates available for teams of five or more.

Standard online registration remains open until evening before event opens. After that, visitors can register on site at LEX Liverpool atrium. On-site registration is available subject to availability.

Exhibitor and sponsorship bookings close about one month before show, with floor plan updated for current edition. Speaker announcements start in January.

Exhibitor list & major companies

The expo provides a platform with 55 plus exhibitors and 1,800 plus delegates, bringing together leading organisations from across apprenticeships and skills sector.

Exhibitors include cutting-edge technology solutions, educational resources, awarding organisations, training providers and service providers. Partners include City and Guilds as headline partner, NCFE, NOCN Group and Training Qualifications UK as conference sponsors, FE Week as media partner, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as regional partner, AELP as strategic partner and University Vocational Awards Council as HE partner.

Exhibitors ensure attendees will find tools and services to elevate apprenticeship and training programmes, with opportunity to give five minute presentations and be featured on exhibitors page.

Previous exhibitors have included Innovate Awarding, Apprenticeship Assessment and Qualifications and many more.

A full exhibitor list is published on the official website and is updated regularly in the lead up to the event.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

The event occupies main auditorium and exhibition halls at LEX Liverpool, with a layout designed to encourage discovery and networking.

The exhibition area features rows of stands with clear aisle numbering, allowing visitors to easily locate suppliers for specific technologies. An updated floor plan will be added for current edition, with previous expo plan as at February reference. Exhibition rates include Space Only 4mx4m, 6mx4m, 6mx6m priced at USD 16,875, USD 22,883 and USD 25,650 respectively, Tier A 3mx2m and 3mx4m at USD 8,768 and USD 13,433, Tier B 3mx2m at USD 8,033 and Tier C 3mx2m at USD 6,683.

The main stage is centrally located for keynotes and plenaries, with breakout rooms for workshops. Central networking lounges, business meeting zones, catering areas and sponsor showcases are positioned between exhibition rows.

The floor plan is published approximately two weeks before the event and can be downloaded from the official website.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is a core part of ATC, with the event designed as opportunity to connect and learn from colleagues across apprenticeships and skills sector.

Testimonials highlight conference you should drop everything to attend, with political representatives, insightful speakers, workshops of practical benefit plus plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues across sector. ATC is a must for anyone leading apprenticeships and training provision, with great content, fantastic speakers and huge numbers of passionate expert peers.

Structured networking includes morning breaks, lunch and networking receptions, plus summit dinner for senior employer leaders and gala dinner for all delegates. The Employer Summit is designed for peer-led, strategically focused summit, not space for sales pitches.

Daily networking receptions on exhibition floor give attendees time to continue discussions while full decision-making audience is still onsite.

Industry sectors & highlights

ATC serves multiple sectors where apprenticeships and training deliver economic and social impact.

Key sectors include apprenticeships, training provision, further education, awarding organisations, workforce development, HR, People and L&D, early talent, youth employment, green economy and skills policy.

Event highlights include UK’s leading apprenticeships and training conference, 1,800 plus delegates, 55 plus exhibitors, 750 plus awards dinner guests, 80 plus sessions, two days of plenaries, workshops and networking, employer summit and gala dinner.

The event is recognised as conference you should drop everything to attend, with political representatives, insightful speakers, workshops of practical benefit and huge numbers of passionate expert peers.

Event rules & visitor information

All attendees must wear their official event badge at all times inside the venue. Badges are non-transferable and must be shown on request by security or organisers.

The event is open to training providers, FE colleges, awarding organisations, employers and government. The Employer Summit is designed specifically for senior leaders from employer organisations, those responsible for shaping and delivering workforce development strategy at highest level, including Chief People Officer, HR Director, Chief Learning Officer, Head of Workforce Development, Talent or Organisational Development, Senior L&D or HR Business Partner, Apprenticeship or Early Careers Director at large employer, Public Sector leader with workforce development remit and Operations or Business Leader with direct responsibility for workforce capability.

Photography and video for personal use is permitted, but commercial filming requires prior permission. Visitors are expected to adhere to professional code of conduct, with organisers committed to providing respectful environment for all participants.

The dress code is business casual. The venue operates sustainable events policy, and visitors are encouraged to use digital brochures. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.

How to get there

LEX Liverpool is located on Liverpool Waterfront, with excellent transport connections.

If you are travelling by train, venue is a short taxi or bus ride from Liverpool Lime Street station, which has direct services from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major cities.

If you are travelling by car, follow signs for Kings Dock and Liverpool Waterfront. The venue postcode is L3 4FP. Parking is available at nearby ACC Liverpool car parks.

If you are travelling by air, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 30 minutes by taxi, with Manchester Airport also nearby providing international connections via train and taxi.

Public transport & parking

Public transport to LEX Liverpool is frequent and well integrated. Trains run regularly to Liverpool Lime Street from across the United Kingdom, with local buses and taxis connecting station to waterfront. Merseyrail services connect across Liverpool City Region, with James Street station close to waterfront.

For those driving, ACC Liverpool has extensive on-site parking with over 1,000 spaces plus additional parking at Kings Dock and Liverpool One. Parking charges apply and typically range from USD 20 to USD 35 per day depending on duration and pre-booking. Electric vehicle charging points are available, and designated accessible parking bays are located close to hall entrances.

Cycling facilities are available, with bike racks near the venue.

Accommodation areas

Liverpool offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets, and early booking is advised as hotels fill quickly during major conferences.

The most convenient options are the waterfront hotels including Pullman Liverpool, Crowne Plaza Liverpool and Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, all within walking distance of LEX. These are ideal for exhibitors and those with early morning meetings.

Liverpool city centre hotels provide additional options, with popular areas including Albert Dock, Ropewalks and Commercial District, offering extensive hotel, restaurant and entertainment options.

Hotels can be booked when you buy your conference ticket, with group rates available for teams of five or more. Stay in the loop for speaker announcements, agenda updates and ticket news.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition was held at ACC Liverpool, with apprentices shining at Apprenticeship and Training Conference as Sodexo Live worked alongside EducationScape, City of Liverpool College and ACC Liverpool to provide real-world experience for five apprentices and 20 students invited to work at prestigious event.

Highlights included political representatives, insightful speakers, workshops of practical benefit and plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues across sector. The power of apprenticeships was truly brought to life, with gala dinner featuring FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards, with humour, expertise and electrifying performances.

Liverpool was chosen for second year in the city building on success of rebrand and regional partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Official registration & tickets

All registrations are handled through the official website.

Official Website: https://apprenticeshipsandtraining.com/

Email: atc@educationscape.com

Venue: Liverpool Experience Campus, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP

Organiser: EducationScape

Online registration is recommended to secure early-bird pricing of 20 percent off until end of December. Group rates available for teams of five or more. Hotels can be booked when you buy conference ticket. To exhibit, sponsor or speak, contact organisers via website enquiry form.