Understanding vocational education reform

Navigate vocational education reform with confidence

The skills landscape is changing, with major government reform to both post-16 qualifications (level 2 and 3) and apprenticeships happening at the same time. The changes are reshaping pathways available to learners, impacting how providers deliver and assess programmes and how employers engage with skills development. 

At City & Guilds, we’re here to help you navigate that change with clarity, confidence and a focus on building future-ready provision. We design qualifications and apprenticeship assessments that don’t just meet reform requirements – they equip people with the skills needed for lasting careers and support long-term workforce needs.

What you need to know: latest reforms updates 

Stay up to date with what’s changing and what it means for you

For providers and employers delivering qualifications or apprenticeships, the reforms creates both opportunity and complexity. New programme design, updated assessment structures and evolving funding rules impact curriculum planning and day-to-day delivery in the short-term, while creating opportunities to streamline and future-proof skills development.  

Our practical breakdowns and explainers cover the latest government and City & Guilds developments to help you stay on top of what’s changing – and what it means for you.

Watch our explainer videos

Why work with City & Guilds

We’ve always believed technical education should lead somewhere meaningful. That’s why everything we do is:

We’re continuously improving how we support you – shaped by feedback from providers, employers and learners. Find out more: