Insights from the Edge

A new series of 20 minute podcasts from Edge Foundation designed to be heard over coffee or a commute exploring how education and the world of work can better serve young people and meet skills and social needs in an ever-changing world.

It’s National Apprenticeship Week, so we’re shining a light on apprenticeships in SMEs in line with our ongoing campaign, Apprenticeships Work. We're pleased to be joined by Anna Morrison CBE, Founder and Director of Amazing Apprenticeships, and Christa Bridges who's just completed an apprenticeship at Pebblepad, a software SME in the West Midlands and is an official Apprentice Ambassador....

(00:00) Introduction
(00:14) Policy context
(05:54) Changing attitudes towards apprenticeships
(08:13) Christa’s apprenticeship journey
(10:52) Benefits of working in an SME
(15:51) Advice to young people considering apprenticeships
(20:17) Celebrating NAW 2026
(21:20) Close

A new series of 20 minute podcasts from Edge Foundation designed to be heard over coffee or a commute exploring how education and the world of work can better serve young people and meet skills and social needs in an ever-changing world.

Episode 1 - A look ahead to what's on the way for skills and FE in 2026 hosted by Sorah Gluck, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Edge, with LJ Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK, and Ben Rowland, CEO of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers. (AELP)

1. (00:00) Introduction
2. (00:20) Youth Guarantee
3. (06:44) Apprenticeship reform
4. (13:25) V Levels
5. (18:34) Hopes for 2026