Making the case for VocTech and skills at party conferences

The Ufi team will be heading to the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences over the next few weeks.

With over a decade of experience backing innovators and start-up businesses, we know that reform of the UK’s assessment and qualifications system is critical to unlocking the skills, productivity and economic growth needed for a thriving economy where everyone can succeed.

As part of the Skills Hub at the Labour and Conservative Party conferences, we will be running panels exploring how vocational technology can drive systemic reform, examining questions around learner pathways, qualification value, and the role of emerging technologies like digital badging in supporting skills development.

We believe in a future where vocational technology is developed well, used wisely and designed to reach those furthest from opportunity, powering a fairer society for all.

To connect with Josh Smith, Head of Public Affairs at Ufi, please email josh.smith@ufi.co.uk.

Where to find us

Liberal Democrat Conference – Bournemouth
20-23 September 2025
We’ll be attending to engage with stakeholders and policymakers.

Labour Party Conference – Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025, 10:00-11:00am, Skills Hub
Panel: “AI, Growth and Skills: What does vocational technology mean for Labour’s industrial strategy?”

• Chair: Anthony Painter (Ufi VocTech Trust)
• Rebecca Garrod-Waters (Ufi VocTech Trust)
• Anthony Impey (Be the Business)
• Robert Craig (Skills Builder)

As the Labour Government charts a new path with its 10-year Industrial Strategy (IS-8), technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, is positioned as both the engine of growth and the cornerstone for upskilling the British workforce. This panel will unpack how vocational education, empowered by innovative technology, can deliver on Labour’s ambition to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

Conservative Party Conference – Manchester
Tuesday 7 October 2025, 10:00-11:00am, Skills Hub
Panel: “AI, Growth and Skills: Technology’s role in bringing aspiration and opportunity to vocational education”

As Britain embraces the opportunities of the digital age, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping our economy and the skills required to thrive within it. For vocational education, this presents both an immense challenge and a generational opportunity. This panel will explore how AI can drive economic growth by transforming technical training, boosting productivity, and widening access to high-quality skills provision. It will consider how the Government’s skills agenda, including the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, apprenticeships, and investment in digital infrastructure, can ensure every young person and adult has the chance to succeed in a tech-driven economy.