The Training Sector

The world of training and skills development is constantly evolving, with new qualifications, apprenticeships, and industry standards shaping the future of work. The Training Sector explores the latest updates in professional education, funding opportunities, and the role of apprenticeships in workforce development. Whether you’re an employer looking to invest in staff training or a learner exploring qualification pathways, this category provides insights to help you navigate the ever-changing training landscape.

Kingdom Academy Retains Matrix Accreditation Following Independent Review

Academy Insights, Housing Sector, Press Releases, The Training Sector /

Kingdom Academy has successfully retained the matrix Standard following an independent accreditation review that highlighted the organisation’s learner support, employer partnerships, inclusive culture and commitment to continuous improvement. The matrix Standard is the national quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services. As part of the review process, assessors interviewed staff, learners and […]

Kingdom Academy Retains Matrix Accreditation Following Independent Review Read More »

Apprenticeship Levy Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know

The Training Sector /

By Matt Hoyle, Head Of Operations, Kingdom Academy From 1 August 2026, important changes are being introduced to the way apprenticeship levy funding works in England. The Apprenticeship Levy is becoming the Growth & Skills Levy, with a wider focus on helping employers invest in high-quality skills, workforce development and training that meets business need.

Apprenticeship Levy Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know Read More »

What Employers Need to Know About the Latest Apprenticeship Changes

The Training Sector /

We recently joined the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Service webinar to hear directly about the latest updates to the Growth and Skills Levy and the wider changes coming through the apprenticeship system. There is a lot being introduced at once, and while some of it sits behind the scenes, there are a number of developments

What Employers Need to Know About the Latest Apprenticeship Changes Read More »

Our Ofsted Report: What It Means for Learners and Employers

Kingdom Academy Ofsted Inspection Highlights Inclusive Culture and Sector-Focused Training

The Training Sector /

Kingdom Academy’s Ofsted report has been published today and, for us, the most important thing is what the report says about the experience apprentices have with us. Throughout the inspection, Ofsted recognised the culture that sits behind our programmes. Inspectors highlighted the support apprentices receive from tutors and skills coaches, the inclusive environment we work

Kingdom Academy Ofsted Inspection Highlights Inclusive Culture and Sector-Focused Training Read More »

The New Apprenticeship Clearing System and What It Means for Employers and Learners

The Training Sector, Thought Leadership /

By Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer, Kingdom Academy This year National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has come with a significant policy announcement that will mark significant changes for all stakeholders. The government has confirmed that a clearing style system for apprenticeships will be introduced, with pilots due to be rolled out later this year. The intention is clear.

The New Apprenticeship Clearing System and What It Means for Employers and Learners Read More »

National Apprenticeship Week: How Apprenticeships Are Building Skills for Life in Housing

The Training Sector, Thought Leadership /

By Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer, Kingdom Academy National Apprenticeship Week always prompts reflection for me. Not just on how people enter the housing sector, but on what helps them stay, grow in confidence and build careers that last. In my role, I spend a lot of time speaking with housing employers about workforce pressures,

National Apprenticeship Week: How Apprenticeships Are Building Skills for Life in Housing Read More »

What the TI&A Consultation Signals for Workforce Competence in Social Housing

The Training Sector, Thought Leadership /

By Sara Roberts, CSO, Kingdom Academy  This week the Regulator of Social Housing has launched its consultation on proposed updates to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. The proposals introduce the government’s new competence and conduct requirements and the Social Tenant Access to Information Regulations into the consumer standards framework. They also include a small

What the TI&A Consultation Signals for Workforce Competence in Social Housing Read More »

Reforms to Apprenticeships Need to Be Matched by Support for the Employers Delivering Them

The Training Sector, Thought Leadership /

By Sara Roberts, CSO, Kingdom Academy The Autumn Budget announcement this week sets the next phase of the Growth and Skills Levy in motion, bringing changes that will influence how organisations recruit, develop and retain talent over the coming years. Fully funded apprenticeships for SMEs and the introduction of shorter, skills-focused training units show a clear intention

Reforms to Apprenticeships Need to Be Matched by Support for the Employers Delivering Them Read More »

Impact of Budget 2025 on workers

Budget 2025: What the New Skills Landscape Means for the People Who Rely on It

The Training Sector, Thought Leadership /

By Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer, Kingdom Academy Budget announcements often create a wave of analysis, but behind the commentary there is a simple question for anyone working in housing, construction or the wider public sector: what does this mean for the people learning, developing and delivering services every day? This year’s Budget gives us

Budget 2025: What the New Skills Landscape Means for the People Who Rely on It Read More »

A Decade of Renewal for Housing Needs a Decade of Investment in Skills

The Training Sector, Thought Leadership /

The announcement of greater mayoral influence over the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme signals more than just a funding decision. It marks a significant shift in how housing priorities will be shaped and delivered, and it brings a level of regional leadership that many in the sector have been calling for. Giving Mayors

A Decade of Renewal for Housing Needs a Decade of Investment in Skills Read More »