Booking options
£149 - £199
+ VATCourse Images
The Work-Based Learning Conference 2026
Highlights
Delivered In-Person
Full day
All levels
Dates
- Delivered In-Person in Bridgend• to£149 - £199+ VAT
Description
Work-Based Learning Conference 2026
Developing You to Develop Your Learners
Join us for an inspiring and practical professional development event designed specifically for work-based learning practitioners, tutors, trainers, assessors and quality assurers who are passionate about making a difference to learners.
Our 2026 conference theme, “Developing You to Develop Your Learners,” focuses on empowering practitioners with the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies needed to create meaningful learning experiences and support learner success.
The day will begin with an engaging and motivational Welcome Workshop delivered by a special guest speaker, Bethan Reynolds - The Fabulous Facilitator, designed to energise delegates and set the tone for a day of learning, reflection and collaboration.
Delegates will then have the opportunity to choose from a range of interactive workshops focused on current priorities and practical approaches within education and training, including:
Inclusive Practice That Works: Supporting Every Learner to Succeed
Using Everyday Microsoft Tools to Support Dyslexic Learners
Canva: Creating Engaging Resources
Practical Coaching Techniques to Improve Learner Success
Learning to Love Essential Skills: Why They Actually Matter
Mental Maths Made Manageable: Practical Tools to Build Maths Confidence
Mental Health, Self-Care and Active Listening to Benefit You and Your Learners
The conference will conclude with our closing session:
AI – For Teaching, Not Cheating
This workshop challenges the common view of our learners using AI as simply a tool for cheating and explores how educators can help learners use it to develop knowledge, skills, and independence.
Alongside the workshops, delegates will have opportunities to network, share ideas and explore resources with like-minded professionals and our conference exhibitors from across the sector.
Whether you are looking to refresh your practice, build confidence in key areas, discover new tools and techniques, or simply reconnect with your passion for supporting learners, Work-Based Learning Conference 2026 promises to leave you inspired, motivated and ready to make an even greater impact.
Detailed Workshop Outlines:
Inclusive Practice That Works: Supporting Every Learner to Succeed (AM and PM)
Charlotte Dando (Faculty Director - Quality and Learner Journey) and Josephine Grech (Anti-Racism Project Lead) Cardiff and Vale College
Identify common barriers to participation and achievement in work-based learning
Adapt their teaching, coaching and assessment approaches to meet diverse needs
Use simple strategies to create a more inclusive and psychologically safe environment
Feel more confident having supportive, inclusive conversations with learners
Using Everyday Microsoft 365 Tools to Support Dyslexic Learners (AM)
Constance Henry (Essential Skills Practitioner and Canva Educator)
Developing a better understanding of dyslexia and common barriers learners may face
Exploring ways to adapt assessment methods to create a more inclusive approach for learners with additional learning needs
Using built-in Microsoft 365 accessibility tools to support reading, writing, organisation, and communication
Practical demonstrations and opportunities to try the tools firsthand
Canva: Creating Engaging Digital Resources (PM)
Constance Henry (Essential Skills Practitioner and Canva Educator)
Introduction to using Canva templates
Exploring how Canva can support teaching, training, and engagement in WBL
Hands-on opportunity to create and adapt resources using Canva tools
Introduction to AI-enhanced features, including Canva Code for interactive resources
Practical Coaching Techniques to improve Learner Success (AM and PM)
Donna Gilbert, Turned on its Head
Use an understanding of the unconscious mind and communication styles to build stronger relationships and improve learner engagement
Apply techniques such as metaphors and anchoring to help learners build confidence, retain information and stay motivated
Recognise how values, emotions and mindset can influence learner behaviour, progress and achievement
Use self-regulation, reflective practice and action planning strategies to create more positive and effective coaching and assessment conversations
Learning to Love Essential Skills: Why they Actually Matter (AM)
Ani Davies, Essential Skills Co-ordinator, Prentisiaethau Urdd
The wider purpose and value of Essential Skills Qualifications (ESQs) beyond achieving a qualification
How essential skills support learners in everyday life, employment and future progression
The role of assessors and practitioners in supporting learners to develop essential skills
Practical strategies to embed and promote essential skills within learning programmes
Reflect on the wider impact essential skills can have on learner confidence, independence and opportunities
Mental Maths Made Manageable: Practical Tools to build maths confidence (PM)
Ani Davies, Essential Skills Co-ordinator, Prentisiaethau Urdd
Explain the purpose and benefits of bar modelling as a visual maths strategy
Use bar models to support learners in solving word-based maths problems
Apply bar modelling techniques to fractions, percentages and ratio questions
Mental Health, Self-Care and Active Listening to Benefit You and Your Learners (AM and PM)
Mike Mainwaring, Mental Health Trainer
Explore how the nervous system responds to stress, anxiety and challenging situations.
Learn practical techniques to regulate emotions and support wellbeing for yourself and your learners.
Identify the importance of self-care, compassion and recognising the signs of trauma.
Practise mindfulness and active listening strategies that can be applied in education, work and everyday life.
Conference Agenda (subject to change)
9:00 am - 9:30am – Registration and Networking
9.30am - 10am – Welcome from Ros Protheroe (Director, Panda Education and Training) and Lisa Mytton (Strategic Director, NTfW)
10:00am – Welcome Workshop - Bethan Reynolds - The Fabulous Facilitator
10.45 -11.15am – Refreshments and Networking
11:25am – 12:25pm – Workshop 1
12:25pm – 1:25pm – Lunch and Networking
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Workshop 2
2:45pm – 3:30pm – Closing Workshop: AI – For TEACHing not CHEATing: Practical tips for using AI to support critical thinking, reflection, feedback, and skill development - Ros Protheroe
3.30-3.45pm - Closing Remarks - Ros Protheroe and Rachel Arnold - Panda Education and Training Ltd
Feedback from the Conference 2025
“The setting of the conference was warm and welcoming and a perfect location to hold the conference.”
“Good venue. Range of workshops was good. Timings for workshops and keynote speakers worked really well. Not too big so plenty of opportunity to network with everyone.”
“The workshop and keynote speakers were all interesting, engaging and enthusiastic.”
“Very interactive and friendly it was relaxing and fun and was not information overload.”
What we've changed this year based on feedback:
We will be having more structured opportunities for networking and sharing good practice throughout the day.
🐼 Don't miss out - book your place now 🐼
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this conference for?
This conference is for practitioners and managers who work in post-16 education. This includes apprenticeship, employability, adult community learning and youth work practitioners.
The sessions are tailored to staff working in this sector.
The aim of the conference is to support practitioners improve their practice to help their learners.
Can I get a discount for multiple bookings?
If you book 5 places or more, a 10% discount will be applied.
To enable this discount, please get in touch with us at hello@pandaeducation.co.uk
I want to receive an invoice rather than booking online - can I do that?
Yes - please contact us at hello@pandaeducation.co.uk or on 029 21679037 and we'll sort that for you.
Can I choose which workshops to attend?
Yes.
Delegates will be invited to select their preferred workshops before the event. We recommend booking early as some workshops may be particularly popular and may fill up.
We cannot provide refunds, but you can transfer the ticket to another colleague. Please contact us in advance so we can update the delegate details.
Will presentation slides and resources be shared after the event?
Where permission has been granted by workshop facilitators, the resources and presentation materials will be made available on the Forum.
How do I book?
There are a few ways to book:
1. Click on the blue Book button above to book individual places
2. Complete this online booking form and we'll get in touch
3. Email us at hello@pandaeducation.co.uk to book multiple places
4. Ring us on 029 21679037
Limited places available.